Ruth Marie James' Obituary
Ruth Marie Wordlaw James, of Mesquite, Texas, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 8:40 a.m. She was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Clarence, Sr. and Theodora Wordlaw, the youngest of three daughters. After her family moved to Chicago, Illinois during the Great Migration, three sons were added to the family. Ruth became the proud big sister to three brothers—and never let them forget it.
All who knew Ruth marveled at her boundless energy, compassionate care, and abiding love for people. She never met a stranger. Ruth possessed a natural gift for nursing and a lifelong concern for those often overlooked by society. This calling led her to become a registered nurse and to earn a master’s degree in public health from University of Illinois- Chicago.
Ruth is survived by her three children: Cheryl (Jerry), Debra (Clarence), and Bruce (Joe); eleven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one brother; and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins who will forever cherish her memory.
Her homegoing service will be held at Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church of Garland, TX on Friday, March 13. Viewing will be at 9:00 a.m. The service begins at 10:00a.m.
Immediately following the service, the interment will take place at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with her beloved husband, Clarence James.
Ruth’s legacy of faith, dignity, courage, and love will live on in all who were blessed to know her.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent in Ruth’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, The National Museum of African American History and Culture, or the Cure Alzheimers Fund.
If you wish see attend the service via livestream, please see the link here: https://onthemount.online.church/
What’s your fondest memory of Ruth?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ruth?
Share a story where Ruth's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ruth you’ll never forget.
How did Ruth make you smile?
