Ruth Haywood

It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect (Ps. 18:32). For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of sound mind (2 Tim 1:7). For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith (2 Tim 4:6-7).

Ruth Marie Henderson

My Family: I made my debut on April 18, 1944, the second child born to Joe O. Henderson and Margie L. Moore. In nine months my parents had not selected a name for their new daughter, so my mother took the easy way out….she named me after her doctor….Ruth Marie Baines. My older brother Charles “Bubba” Henderson was the apple of my eye, my best friend, unfortunately he preceded me in death in 1990, which at the time I was writing my program, I had never felt such anguish and devastation. My father and mother preceded me in death in 1987 and 1990 respectfully. I was raised in East Austin. Over all I had a great childhood. I met some amazing kids who would remain my friends throughout the span of our lives.

Childhood Education: I attended Blackshear Elementary School, Kealing Jr. High and I was in the 1963 – Graduating class of L.C. Anderson High School. I am proud to say that I performed very well academically. For many years, after high school I had aspired to become a nurse. Well, that never happened, but I am still proud of the sacrifices and achievements that I would later make during the next phase of my life. Those of you who know me, can recall how much I loved to dance! I was an original member of the Toe-Ettes and a majorette. Both of these extracurricular activities were the high lights of my educational career.

Spiritual Life: As a child I attended Ebenezer Baptist Church. At the age of twelve, I was baptized, and I will never forget how different I felt as I was lifted out of the water. Now of course this does not mean that I would never have regrets due to some of the choices or situations that I found myself in. However what I do know is that I always believed in God and Jesus as my savior!

Ruth Marie Haywood

Marriage and Children: On October 11, 1962, I married my soul mate until November 2, 1983, when we divorced. Arthur was so kind and lovingly supportive. We had some challenging years that caused a strain on our marriage and friendship, but we later overcame those obstacles, and sustained our special bond until he departed this side of glory. Oh how I miss him! Personally, I feel that my greatest achievement throughout my entire life was my role as a wife and as a mother! Arthur and I had four sons: Anthony (Valerie), Darryl (Karen), Kevin, Corey (Angela), and one daughter Re Sjahn (Milton). I was blessed to have shared my life with Ronald Hunter, Richard Medlock, and Nolan Stone, they were my adopted sons. Arthur and I had 12 grand-children, and 12 great-grandchildren. We had 5 nephews, 6 nieces.

Career : Prior to 1972: I worked various jobs in the mental health field, a school health aid, a patient care aid in nursing homes. In 1972, I began working for the City of Austin. I also worked simultaneously at MHMR for 17 years. I tried to show my children that you have to work hard, and do whatever is needed to take care of oneself. For 17 years, I worked 2 full time jobs. What I loved the most about both of my jobs was that it afforded me the opportunity to help others who were less fortunate than me. Especially at MHMR, I met some amazing men and women who were so emotionally damaged, but yet they were like little children who wanted and needed to feel cared for and loved. Once again, I was blessed to have met and worked with a great group of coworkers, who over the years we became lifelong friends. Around 1993, during my career at the City of Austin, I began working at one of the neighborhood centers…….guess what? They had a day care center where Kyle and Maghan attended. I could go and see them as often as I so chose. In 2005, due to advancement of my health condition, I had to retire much sooner than I had planned.

Retirement Years: From 2005 – 2012, w hat I enjoyed most were the summers that I was able to go to Indiana and spend time with my daughter and her family. The summers were beautiful! I was able start volunteering my time to assist with tutoring elementary school students. As many of you know from 2012 – 2018, my health slowly began to negatively impact my mobility and quality of life. However, I took advantage of the changes in my lack of mobility….I began reading more novels by my favorite authors, John Grisham and Mary Higgins Clark. I also resumed my hobby and love for crocheting.

Spiritual Life: From 1968 – 1976, my family and I were members of Blacks Memorial Baptist Church. I can still hear Mr. Haywood singing his rendition of “Guide Me O’ Though Great Jehovah”. Oh my, I can’t recall the exact year, but I joined the Greater Mount Zion Church Family around 1981. I have been blessed to have had so many fond memories, along with the opportunity to have had Norman Bacon and Gaylon Clark as my Pastors. They both have played key roles in my growth and development as a Christian. When my health permitted I was an active member in my church. I thank my Sunday School class for the continued cards and reading material after I moved to Indiana….meant a lot to me!

My Family and Friends

You all have meant so much to me, more than you could ever imagine. I have been blessed to have had childhood friends who walked beside me until the end. I was so very fortunate to have married the love of my life, Arthur Haywood….we loved each other and remained friends, oh what a blessing! The love that The Hatches/Haywood’s gave to me was something that I always treasured! There were two amazing father-figures in my life, Mr. Brooks and Mr. Haywood. As I look back over my life, I had some wonderful times, and I have had some difficult times, but I wouldn’t take nothing for my journey. My special friends at the time that I began to compose my program are Ernestine Brooks, Linda Davis, Jean Lewis, Florence Rodgers, and Ida Ray. Roy “Baby” Hardin, thank you for the calls, enjoyed catching up! If I didn’t mention your name, please don’t take it personal….all of you are important to me. When I moved to Indiana, it wasn’t easy saying good-bye to you, and now that I have taken my final earthly bow, it was even more difficult to forever turn and walk away from each of you! My departure was scheduled by The Master. He had been letting me know for some time that my room was ready, and it was oh so beautiful! No luggage was needed….heartache and pain was left behind! I prayed for many years asking Him to let me hang on long enough to allow my children to accept that I was not going to get well. God heard my prayers, my children move forward! Your Daddy and I will always be with you in spirit. I have run this race for as long as I could, and my body was screaming no more! Every day I shall be with Jesus, and it will be sweeter than the day before. I have left you behind, but please be in perfect peace knowing that I am alright! May the Holy Spirit comfort each of you, may you continue to feel my love within your hearts. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning! My children, daughter-in-laws, son-in-law, grandchildren, adopted sons, nephews, cousins, sister-n-laws (you will forever be), church family, and friends…..so long for now…I love you all dearly, and thank you ever so much for loving me in return!

Reverend Gayland Clark Presiding