Ruby A. (Thomas) Davis-Patrick

Ruby Annette Thomas Davis-Patrick, 60, of Columbus passed peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on March 14, 2014 in Columbus, Ohio. She is survived by her husband Jerome Patrick, her children James Bruce Davis, II, and Jarrett Blake Davis, her siblings Robert C. (Shirley) Thomas, Jr. of Grambling, Louisiana, Thelma Thomas (Lou) Price, and Barbra Thomas of Dallas, Texas, and her grandchildren Jamia Davis and Justice Davis, along with many others who called her mom. She is also survived by two step-daughters, Barbara Patrick and Shaunta Patrick, two nieces, Patricia Thomas and Angelite Caldwell, and three nephews, Kenneth Thomas, Reginald Thomas and Brandon Price and several grand nieces and nephews. Ruby Annette was born January 2, 1954 to Robert C. Thomas, Sr., and Elsie (Trimble) Thomas in Monroe, Louisiana. She was the fourth of five children born to Robert and Elsie. The family moved to Arcadia, Louisiana where Ruby grew up and was educated in the Arcadia Public Schools. Going to church and participating in all of the church’s activities was a regular part of Ruby's routine and the Thomas household. At the age of 7, Ruby joined the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church and was active in Junior Choir and BTU (Baptist Training Union); she was Secretary of the Sunday School and a representative to all kinds of church activities. She graduated from Arcadia High School in 1972 and enrolled in Grambling State University in the fall of 1972. She graduated in December 1975, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. While at Grambling, she met James B. Davis from New Orleans, Louisiana and they married August 2, 1975. To this union two children were born. James B. Davis, II, on October 5, 1980 and Jarrett Blake Davis, born April 5, 1983. Ruby and James eventually divorced but she maintained a healthy respect for James and taught her children to continue to love and respect him as well; this was her Christian obligation. Ruby was remarried on May 3, 2003 to Jerome Patrick, a caring husband who showed his devotion until the end. Ruby moved to Columbus Ohio in the fall of 1984 and immediately joined the Shiloh Baptist Church, pastored by Dr. C. Dexter Wise, III, and later by Rev. Dr. Otha Gilyard. She was the parent volunteer for the children’s choir and participated in many other ministries at Shiloh. Later she headed the Tutoring Ministry where she tutored students in math, reading and other subjects. She was an active part of the Shiloh Baptist Church Book Club for several years, and later became Book Club leader. Ruby continued her graduate studies at Grambling State University, The University of Texas, Odessa/Midland, 1982-1983, The Ohio State University 1991-1992, and The University of Phoenix, 2011. She has been an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, serving on the Education Committee and Saturday Morning Read-ins, for over 40 years. Ruby has left a great legacy for all to follow, one that incorporates a giving spirit, a loving heart and the willingness to support and encourage her sons and all those she encountered.