Ruby Vann

Ruby Mae, the first daughter of Elijah and Nishia Randolph entered this world on Monday, April 23, 1923 in Ferris, Texas. Ruby was nicknamed, "Frenchelle" which is what she is called by all family members and close friends. Ruby was the only child for a short period of time before being joined by 4 other sisters … Viola, Margaret, Elizabeth and MaryAnn. As the first born, Ruby took on a nurturing personality. She helped with the care and upbringing of her younger siblings and was often called upon to make them feel better when they were hurt or in trouble. Ruby was a natural caregiver, extremely reliable and lived her life placing others before herself. She took joy in doing for and serving others. Ruby gave her life to Christ at a very early age. Her parents, Elijah and Nishia moved their family from Ferris, Texas to Dallas, Texas where the family joined and was extremely active in various ministries at the Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church. Ruby learned at an early age that "Now faith is the substances of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" Hebrews 11:1 Her entire life was built around her faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Ruby was educated in the Dallas Public School system. To assist with the economic welfare of her sisters, Ruby dropped out of school and went to work with her Mother, who at this time was a single parent, to help provide for her sisters. Although times were tight, Ruby and her sisters were taught to always lookout for one another. Ruby never let go of her caregiving personality which everyone in her family ~ sisters, nieces and nephews have benefitted from. As a young adult in Dallas, Texas, Ruby worked for Neiman Marcus in the Beauty Salon and then began her career as a "Domestic" working in private homes. Ruby took great pride in her profession and performed her tasks with pride and excellence. Ruby mastered her career choice and continued to excel at her profession, officially retiring at age 90. Ruby was often thought of as "one of the family" as opposed to an employee. "I Had Rather Be a Doorkeeper in the House of the Lord …" As a young adult, Ruby joined People's Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas where she dedicated her life to being an Usher. Ruby relished welcoming others to the House of the Lord and ensuring that they were comfortable during service. In 1960 Ruby moved to Denver, Colorado based on a recommendation from her sister Viola. Ruby loved the Rocky Mountains and went back to Dallas for visits only. Ruby had been in Denver a short period of time when she joined the Central Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Dr. W. O. Mays, Sr. Ruby immediately joined the Usher Board where she could continue serving as a Doorkeeper. In 2016 Central Baptist Church celebrated their 125th Church Anniversary. Ruby was among the honorees who were recognized for their long-standing contributions to the ministry. Ruby was a member at Central Baptist Church for 57 years. During her tenure at Central, Ruby served in many capacities to include, yet not limited to, The Benevolence Committee, Culinary Ministry, RCR Mission Circle, Sunday School, Thera Pompeii Club, was a Golden Girl (for those 90 plus years old); The Seniors Ministry and The Ushers Ministry. Ruby served on the Senior Usher Board, Counselor for the Junior Ushers and wherever she was asked to serve. Ruby was not known for saying "no" to anything on the Lord's program. Ruby was a dedicated Usher until her back would no longer allow her to stand for long periods of time. Ruby was active in ushering well into her 80's ~ she then carried the torch of Usher Emeritus and currently holds the title of being the longest living Senior Usher. Ruby was delighted to have had the opportunity to attend the Annual Rededication, Communion and Candlelight Service for the Church Ushers Union of Colorado, which was held at Central on January 8, 2017. The theme was "Ushers Serving, Enduring, and Rejoicing in the Promise and Hope for God's Glory" ~ Romans 5:2-4. Ruby loved ushering and was proud of serving as a Doorkeeper for the Lord. Ruby was fiercely independent, strong-willed and self-sufficient. She was often reserved and soft spoken yet, family members could be assured that if she felt you were going down the wrong track, Frenchelle/Aunt Frenchelle would speak her mind whether it pleased you or not. Ruby learned to drive much later than most and continued driving until she was 90 years old ~ at which time she decided that she would have someone else take over the driving. Ruby was proud of the fact that she could drive a stick shift, as well as an automatic. Ruby loved working in her yard, cultivating her vegetable garden, rose garden, trimming her bushes and ensuring that her yard was perfectly manicured. Ruby loved flowers and had a "green thumb" ~ which was evidenced by her inside and outside flowers. Ruby collected fancy hankies and always had one in her purse. She loved her hats especially what she called her "tams" (beret) which she was rarely seen without. Ruby was an exceptional cook and loved reading through cookbooks and trying new recipes, often ones that she created herself. She could take nothing and make a meal that was fit for a king. Her pastries were so pretty that you did not want to cut them … yet once cut they melted in your mouth. You could taste the love for her craft in each bite. You were treated as a VIP when you had a meal with Ruby. You could expect a perfectly set table to include a pretty tablecloth with matching napkins and Ruby in one of her many aprons smiling as she served a meal that always left you wanting more. Ruby enjoyed sewing and received a certificate in sewing from Emily Griffith Opportunity School. You could always find Ruby sitting quietly and reading her bible which she always kept close by. Although Ruby did not have the opportunity to complete her education, she was an advocate of education and shared that belief with her nieces and nephews. She believed that education, integrity and hard work was important. Although small in stature, Ruby was a giant in life. She strongly believed you should never, ever give up, no matter the odds. "A Huge Limb Has Fallen from the Family Tree" Many things can be learned from Ruby's life. She was a "Rock" for family members in whatever capacity that was needed ~ one could always count on Frenchelle/Aunt Frenchelle. There will never be another Ruby Mae Randolph-Vann. For those who had the opportunity to be in her presence and learn … you were most wonderfully blessed. For those who did not have or take the opportunity to know her ~ you missed a blessing. Ruby fought gallantly in re-hab these last 8 weeks to overcome the effects of a major stroke, yet she knew this place was not her home. On Saturday evening, April 1, 2017 around 7:02 p.m., Ruby moved to her heavenly address to join her parents, Elijah and Nishia Randolph; 3 sisters Viola Richards, Margaret Heard and Elizabeth Randolph; 1 nephew Carl Nolan Bussey and 1 great nephew Dedrick Keith Randolph. Ruby leaves to cherish her memory 1 sister, Mary Ann Bussey Dallas, Texas; 4 nieces ~ Isoria Randolph, Denver, Colorado; Carolyn Crawford (Stanley), Dallas, Texas, Margaret Randolph, Topeka, Kansas and Cynthia Harris, Denver, Colorado. 3 nephews ~ Charles Bussey (Stella), Dallas, Texas; David Randolph (Terry); Kenneth Randolph, and Herman Heard all of Denver, Colorado. Numerous great nieces and nephews; great-great nieces and nephews and great-great-great nieces and nephews; her church family and many relatives and friends. Ruby loved and was loved by her extended family ~ Mr. and Mrs. Michael Barish and Mr. and Mrs. Brian Barish of Denver, Colorado and Dr. and Mrs. Grant Barish, Chicago, Illinois. "The Lord is Worthy to be Praised" Ruby leaves behind a rich legacy of love. Any smiles you see today are remembrances of those fond memories that Ruby left us. The tears that you see are not for Ruby, for the word states, "And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, "Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them" ~ Revelation 14:13 We know that Ruby did not belong to us, she belonged to the Lord to whom she returned. As we celebrate her life today, we will forever be grateful to the Lord for lending us Ruby Mae Randolph-Vann for 93 blessed years! There are no tears in heaven, Nor grief of any kind; I leave this final teardrop to those I've left behind; Though absent from the body, I'm present with the Lord; The joy of my salvation, is now my full reward.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 4/7/2017 at 4:00 PM Central Solace Committee to serve the family. Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 4/8/2017 at 11:00 AM - Central Baptist Church - 2400 California Street, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 4/8/2017 - Interment Following the Service. Fairmount Cemetery - 430 South Quebec Street, Denver, CO
Family Gathering: 4/8/2017 - Repast following interment. Central Baptist Church - 2400 California Street, Denver, CO