Ruby Dean (Crowder) Mordecai, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2017.
Ruby was born in Miami, Florida on October 4, 1940. She was the daughter of the late Lonnie and Mary (Hooks) Crowder. She was the eldest of four children, including Claxton, Ernestine (Sanders) and Ronald. At a young age, her family moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Ruby graduated from West Philadelphia High School in January of 1959, where she also met her former spouse Theodore (Ted) Mordecai, Sr. While Ted was stationed as a member of the United States Marine Corps in San Diego, California, he asked Ruby's parents' permission to marry her. The pair wed in El Toro, California in July of 1959. They settled in the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia in 1962.
Their union was blessed with three children: Rhonda (Mordecai) Phillips, Theodore, Jr. and Terrence. As a loving mother, Ruby devoted her time to caring for her children. She worked at Lit Brothers in Center City Philadelphia and retired from the Philadelphia School District as a Teacher's Aide in June of 2005. Ruby enjoyed helping children and would babysit for neighbors. She was known for giving the children "goodies" when she learned of their good behavior or good deeds. Serving as a Teacher's Aide brought her a great deal of happiness and satisfaction. She would always have a new story to tell daily about her "school kids".
Ruby was introduced to Jehovah's Witnesses by her mother Mary in her adult years, but didn't embrace it until she began to study with Witnesses who came to her door. She dedicated her life to doing Jehovah's will and was baptized in 1975 at the Buckingham Pennsylvania Assembly Hall. She found joy associating with friends, attending assemblies and conventions, speaking with others about Jehovah's promises and truths found in the Bible and instilling a foundation of faith to her children.
Most of all, Ruby's greatest joy came from loving and spending time with her family and extended family.
She is survived by her siblings; children: Rhonda (Derrick), Theodore, Jr. (Constance), and Terrence (Shafeqah); seven grandchildren: Theodore III, Sumayyah, Ricki, Mariam, Derrick, Jr., Terrence, Jr. and Madison, who all loved her very much and will miss her presence. Ruby enjoyed special relationships with her nieces Sheila, Stephanie and Celeste and nephew Steven, in addition to a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and dear friends, all of whom will miss her dearly.
The family would like to acknowledge all friends and loved ones who came to visit Ruby at the Marcella Nursing Home. We also deeply appreciate every one of the calls of condolences and prayers on our behalf. Additionally, thank you to the staff of the Memory Support Unit for your care and kindness.
Ruby's Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 13, 2017 at 10:30 AM, in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 339 Bridgeboro Road, Moorestown, NJ 08057.
To friends and family, thank you for supporting us in our time of sorrow. We love you!!!