A Tribute to a Life Well Lived ~ Mrs. Ruby Jean Williams
Mrs. Ruby Jean Williams, affectionately known as Jean, was born on May 19, 1941, in
Selma, Arkansas, to the late Joseph and Fannie Sims. She was the second youngest of 12
children raised in a close-knit Christian home filled with love, faith, and the values of
hard work and service. At an early age, Ruby accepted Christ and was baptized at
Sixteen Section Missionary Baptist Church in Monticello, Arkansas. Bright, joyful, and
full of promise, she excelled in school, was promoted from first grade to third grade and
graduated early from Drew High School in Drew County, Arkansas. She later attended
Arkansas AM&N College, now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where she
earned her bachelor’s degree in education in 1962.

While in college, Ruby met the love of her life, Mr. Artis Williams. Soon after
graduation, they were joined in holy matrimony and began a life together rooted in faith,
love, and a shared devotion to education. The couple made their home in Stephens,
Arkansas, where they welcomed their beloved son Cedric. Ruby became a devoted
member of St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church, where she built a strong spiritual
foundation that guided her throughout her life. Her service to the church was faithful
and far-reaching. She served as chair of the Deaconess Ministry, participated in Sunday
School and Bible Class, taught in the Youth Department, worked in Mission activities,
and sang in the Adult Women’s Choir. She was a willing and faithful servant, always
ready to do whatever was needed for the glory of God and the good of His people.
Ruby was known for her warm smile, gracious spirit, and kind heart. She had a gentle
way of encouraging others and a lifelong desire to serve. Her love for learning and her
compassionate nature led her to devote 30 years to the field of elementary education.
She served faithfully as a teacher and retired as a beloved third-grade teacher at
Stephens Elementary School in Stephens, Arkansas. Her students were blessed not only
by her instruction, but by her patience, tenderness, and sincere care. Through her
calling as an educator, she touched countless lives and left an enduring legacy in the
classroom.

Beyond her church and professional service, Ruby was deeply committed to her
community. She served many years as an election poll worker and was honored in 2012
with the Community Service Award from the Stephens Chamber of Commerce for her
dedicated service and faithful contributions.

At the center of Ruby’s life was her family. She was a devoted wife to Artis, a loving
mother to Cedric and daughter-in-law Brandye, and “Grandma” to her cherished granddaughters Tyra and Sydni. She was an excellent cook who delighted in gathering
her family around the table and sharing the gifts of her love through her meals. Ruby
and Artis enjoyed traveling to college football games and visiting relatives near and far.
She also treasured the lifelong bond she shared with her siblings and the joy of family
gatherings through the years.
Ruby was a proud and active member of Esther Chapter #337, Order of the Eastern Star,
where she served as Star Point – Esther. She was also a member of JC Corbin Assembly
#204, where she faithfully served as treasurer, continuing her life of commitment,
fellowship, and service.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory her son, Cedric Williams; daughter-in-law,
Brandye Williams; granddaughters, Tyra Williams and Sydni Williams; three loving
siblings, Ruth Nunn, John (Verna) Sims, and Shirley Cates; and a host of nieces,
nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her
parents, Joseph and Fannie Sims; her husband, Artis Williams; and her siblings, Rufus
Sims, Joe Eddie Sims, Nathaniel Sims, Henry Sims, Adorth Sims, Erma Campbell,
Margaret Ridgell, and Mabel Johnson.

Ruby Jean Williams will be remembered for her grace, compassion, quiet strength, and
unwavering faith. She was a precious wife, mother, grandmother, sister, mentor, and
friend whose life reflected the beauty of Christian service and the richness of a life well
lived. Though her earthly journey has ended, her legacy of love, devotion, and faith will
continue to shine through all who were blessed to know her.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
— Psalm 23:1, 6

In lieu of flowers, our family kindly asks that you consider making contributions in memory of our beloved Ruby Jean Williams to the Williams "Sow A Seed" Fund. 

The fund has been established to honor her legacy of faith, service, and giving. 

Donations may be made in the following ways:

By Mail: Checks payable to St. Francis County Community Foundation

P.O. Box 3002 Forrest City, AR 72336

Online: www.ARCF.org/williams

We sincerely appreciate your love, support, and generosity during this time.

-The Williams Family