By: Rebecca S. Jones
African-American News&Issues
HOUSTON– “Dynamite comes in small packages”, is what came to mind after encountering the sweet and endearing presence of the oldest daughter birthed to Rosa Bell and Willie Sanders on April 25, 1929. From a small town in Mexia, Texas, hails retired educator, life-long community activist, humanitarian and above all a devout Christian, Mrs. Ruby Lee Sanders Mosley.
Being reared in a Christian home, Ruby had no option of going to church or attending school. With a father who ensured religious participation by way of attending Methodist devotion on 1st and 3rd Sundays and Baptist devotion on 2nd and 4th Sundays, Ruby received salvation at an early age.
After the passing of her mother at the age of 8, Ruby recollects the dominant presence of her father who always encouraged her to reach her full potential. The demise of her mother initiated combined efforts from both her maternal and paternal grandparents, who assisted her father with shaping young Ruby into a very independent and ambitious woman.
At the tender age of 16, Ruby graduated from Woodland High School. Following, she became a certified beautician at Franklin Beauty College. She utilized that skill to finance her studies at college. With a mountain of motivation, Ruby enrolled at Prairie View A&M University and moved to Houston in 1948.
Ruby can remember vividly the first opportunity that she had to vote. However, she reminisced of how before she could register to vote, a $1.50 poll tax was required. Thrilled and excited to take part in such a historical event, Ruby made her way to Hopkins Pharmacy located at the intersection of West Montgomery and Wheatley, and paid the required fee.
In an era where Blacks were not privileged to have adequate medical assistance, Polio swept through the Black community as a massive epidemic. The disease killed thousands and left a great number crippled and maimed. Ruby’s family was not exempt from the tally and was plagued with the grips of Polio. In 1949, Ruby’s two younger sisters died a month and a half apart from each other; as a result of complications associated with Polio. She briefly returned to Mexia, the little town that upholds a motto of being, “A great place, no matter how you pronounce it” to bury her two sisters. Ruby, records this time in her life as a dark and grim struggle. Nonetheless, she returned back home to Houston and persevered through her studies.
Upon locating to Houston Ruby did not leave her God, she brought Him with her. Continuing the foundation already laid for her, Ruby joined Mount Pleasant Baptist Church on January 01, 1949. Since that time, she has been a faithful and diligent steward that has served as President of the Choir Board and Secretary of the Trustee Board.
Additionally, Ruby met the love of her life: Mr. Melvin Mosley and together they birthed three daughters: Carrie, Wanda and Marilyn.
Once Mrs. Ruby Mosley completed her studies at Prairie View A&M University , University of Houston and University of Texas at Austin , she worked as a Health Coordinator with Gulf Coast Community Services. It was there, that she really found her niche and became the great Acres Homes’ advocate that so many have come to love and adore. Mrs. Mosley received training in community organizing from Alex Branch (Former Community Leader in Acres Homes). Along with her were several other great leaders who trained under Alex Branch, inclusive with Justine Boone and Beulah Shepard. Mrs. Ruby Mosley worked tirelessly advocating to provide water, sewer and city services to areas in Houston that still had outhouses. She also partnered with KPRC-TX Channel 2, Napolean Johnson who assisted her with her cause.
In 1982, Mrs. Ruby Mosley worked as a City of Houston Community Service Supervisor . During this position, she worked to provide necessary services to the children and senior citizens of the Cuney Homes Housing Development. Through her works, a school was established and named in her honor. Furthermore, Mrs. Ruby Mosley is decorated with a variety of awards from elected city, state and federal officials.
In 2003, local and state authorities gathered together to celebrate the opening of the Ruby Mosley Parental Technology Center . The center is located inside M.C. Williams Middle School located at 6100 Knox in the heart of Acres Homes.
As a result of her undying love and passion for the residents of Acres Homes, on February 05, 2011, Mrs. Ruby Mosley was recognized by the City of Houston for her commitment and service to the Acres Home community. Accordingly, the Acres Homes Multi-Service Center Auditorium was named in her honor.
To date, Mrs. Ruby Mosley serves on the Old Acres Homes Citizen Council, the Acres Homes Multi-Service Center Community Advisory Board and the Police Positive Interaction Program Board to name a few.
Mrs. Ruby Mosley stated that she has learned to be thankful and appreciative of everything in her life. During an interview, she exclaimed that, “One dollar in my pocket, is worth more than five dollars in yours if I don’t have it”. She further alluded to the fact that, her greatest strength is continually renewed through her involvement with her church, family, community and the opportunity and ability to help those who can not help themselves. Mrs. Ruby Mosley is the proud grandmother of 8 and great-grandmother of 10 children. She is grateful of her 51 years of marriage to Mr. Melvin Mosley who is the love of her life.
In spite of all the achievements, accolades, awards, recognition and honor bestowed to her, Mrs. Ruby Mosley stands firm that ‘no man’ can reward her. For, it is the voice of her Heavenly Father that she wants to hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” However, until that day and eternally after African-American News&Issues recognizes and decrees that Mrs. Ruby Lee Sanders Mosley is a phenomenally amazing legend who has paved the way for residents and citizens of Houston and we thank and salute her for her dedication and commitment.
