Ruby Theopia McBeth Gist, 93, the daughter of the late Clifford and Lillie Woodson McBeth, died on Wednesday, June 19, 2019.

She was born November 23, 1925 in Union, South Carolina.

Ruby was a member of Corinth Baptist Church in Union, South Carolina and served faithfully until her health failed. She was a member of the Senior Choir and Circle No. 3. She was always willing to do whatever she was asked. She attended the public schools in Union County. She graduated from Sims High School in Union, South Carolina in 1943 and entered Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina in the fall of that year.

She received her Master of Science Degree in Education from Indiana University.

Ruby was an honor student in high school and college. After graduation from college, she began her teaching career. She taught school in Jonesville, South Carolina for fourteen years and twenty-six years in Union, South Carolina. For thirty-nine years, two months, and fourteen days,

Ruby was a devoted wife to her husband, the late Willie James “W. J.” Gist.

Ruby is survived by her stepchildren; one son, Kenneth E. (Pamela) Gist of Woodruff, SC; three daughters, Vanessa (Reverend Elijah) Ray of Greer, SC, Cheryl (Bobby) Moates of Woodruff, SC, and Audrey Watson of Boiling Springs, SC; seven grandchildren, Nivette Richardson of Anderson, SC, Marcus (Ashley) Wilson and Alexander (Melissa) Watson all of Simpsonville, SC, Montarious (Sequoia) Mack of Woodruff, SC, Savannah Ray of Greer, SC, William Dawkins of Spartanburg, SC, and Kenisha Gist of Woodruff, SC; seven great grandchildren, Eric “Dra” Draquez and McKenzie Wilson of Greenville, SC, Mikerious James “MJ” Clinkscale of Anderson, SC, Constance, KJ, and Kensley Mack, and Jurnee Kimora Anderson all of Woodruff, SC; and a host of other relatives and beloved friends.

Ruby’s life was characterized by her personal devotion to her parents and husband. She fought the good fight, she finished the race, and kept the faith.