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Livestream Link: https://vimeo.com/event/5732481 Reverend Ruby Lee Aldridge was born on July 20, 1934, to Henry Richardson and Effie Banks Richardson, both of whom preceded her in death. She was raised in a home grounded in faith, discipline, and reverence for God and was the youngest of six siblings. Her strong, God-fearing mother ensured that daily Bible study was a way of life, teaching Ruby not only to read scripture, but to carry it in her heart. Her mother also had a tender way of expressing love to all who visited and would often say, “When distant lands divide us and we are many miles apart, your name in golden letters is stamped upon my heart.” Those words of enduring love and connection became part of Ruby’s spirit and reflected the way she cherished people throughout her life. Ruby attended public schools in Webberville and Austin, Texas. At the age of fourteen, she professed her hope in Christ and was baptized in the Colorado River in Webberville, Texas. She became a faithful member of Webberville Ebenezer Baptist Church, where she served in Sunday School and Bible Band, planting early seeds of faith that would guide her throughout her life. In 1959, Reverend Aldridge became a member of Grant AME Worship Center, where her ministry flourished. She served faithfully in the Senior Choir, Daughters of Grant, Sunshine Social Ministry, Mission II, and the Telephone Ministry Service of the Sick, offering encouragement, prayer, and written reflections that uplifted many. Answering the call of God, she accepted her calling to preach in November 1996. She completed the required coursework under the Board of Examiners of the 10th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and was ordained on October 29, 2000, during the episcopacy of Bishop McKinley Young. She faithfully served as an Elder and Associate Minister under numerous pastors throughout the years, continuing in ministry until her health no longer allowed her to do so. Her devotion extended beyond the pulpit through her faithful membership in the Heroines of Jericho with Saint Mary’s Court #2 and her active participation in Saint Peters Adult Ministry (S.P.A.M.), serving with humility, consistency, and grace. Her dedication to learning led her to complete an eighteen-month technical course in home economics and interior decorating. She later received a diploma in Bible Study at Zion Hill Baptist Church, reflecting her lifelong commitment to spiritual growth and understanding. Known for her strong work ethic and servant’s heart, Reverend Aldridge built a life marked by purpose. Alongside her husband, Paul Harvey, she worked side by side for over twenty years in the building and remodeling of homes. Their work was a true partnership—rooted in trust, perseverance, and shared vision—and touched neighborhoods throughout historic East Austin and West Austin, where they were known for their dedication, craftsmanship, and pride in helping families build and restore their homes. She was also employed in Food Service at the University of Texas from 1952 to 1961, serving with consistency and pride. Beyond her professional work, Ruby found deep joy in the rhythms of home and faith. She had a passion for cooking and was known for meals prepared with love, care, and intention. Fish Fry Fridays were a cherished tradition, often growing into large gatherings of family, extended family, and friends, all drawn together by music, food, fellowship, love, dominoes, and barbecue. Laughter flowed freely, stories were shared, and everyone felt welcome in her presence. Just as familiar was the sound of gospel and blues music filling her home. She loved the music of James Cleveland and Mahalia Jackson, whose voices reflected her faith, as well as the soulful blues of B.B. King. It was a common and comforting experience to walk into her home and be greeted by the sound of music and the smell of food from the kitchen—a reflection of the warmth, hospitality, and spirit that defined her presence. She also found peace tending her garden and poured her faith onto paper through spiritual writing, using words as a ministry to encourage, teach, and uplift others. Reverend Ruby Lee Aldridge was blessed to share her life in marriage three times. She was first married to Bernard Eason Sr., who preceded her in death in 1958. She later married Paul Harvey in 1963, who preceded her in death in October 1991. In 1995, she married Henry H. Aldridge, who preceded her in death in November 2024. The Lord blessed Reverend Aldridge with five children: Raymond L. Eason Sr.; Bernard Eason Jr.; Danna H. Eason, who preceded her in death in August 2021 and was married to Linda Joyce Jones-Eason; Jerry W. Eason; and Cynthia J. Eason-Brown. She was also blessed through their unions, welcoming into the family Patricia E. Eason (wife of Raymond), Fay Eason (wife of Bernard), Patricia A. Eason (wife of Jerry), and Lester W. Brown Sr. (husband of Cynthia). She was preceded in death by her siblings: Altha Jerrylean Green; Emmitt Richerson; Earnest S. “Uncle Buck” Richardson; Henrietta Richardson; Lottie Richardson; and Annie Mae Richardson Wesley. She leaves a cherished legacy through her seven grandchildren: Raymond Eason, Jr. (Adrienne Eason); Lester Wade Brown, Jr. (Jodi L. Brown); Bobby R. Quinn; Deanna Eason; Corey Eason; Jamal Eason (Brittney Eason); and Angela Jones. She shared an especially close and loving bond with her niece Ida Nell Banks, daughter of Altha Jerrylean Green, whose relationship with her was more like that of sisters. She is also lovingly remembered by her nieces Stella Richerson Kinley and Emma Jean Richerson, daughters of Emmitt Richerson Sr. Her legacy extends even further through sixteen great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren, each a living testament to the love, faith, and strength she poured into her family and community. Reverend Ruby Lee Aldridge lived a life anchored in faith, service, and love. She stood firm in her belief, proclaimed God’s Word, and walked humbly in His will. She peacefully transitioned from this life on February 4, 2026, at 11:05 a.m., with loved ones by her side. The homes she helped build, the meals she lovingly prepared, the gardens she tended, the words she wrote, the lives she nurtured, and the faith she lived remain lasting evidence of a life well lived in service to God and others.

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Rev. Ruby Lee Aldridge

July 20, 1934 - February 4, 2026