Ruby Juanita (Johnson) Parham

On Monday October 24, 2016, Ruby Juanita Johnson Parham heard her name being called.  Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies.” John 11:25 (NASB)  After a series of prolonged illnesses, she said “I’m ready.”  Ruby silently and peacefully answered His call to join Him in her heavenly home.

The youngest daughter of General J. and Ellen Graham Johnson, Ruby was born on April 28, 1937 in South Richmond, VA at the home of her grandparents, Simeon and Maggie Graham.  She lived for a while at the Rappahanock Industrial Academy where her parents were educators.  She went on to attend and graduate from Walker Grant High School in Fredericksburg, VA.  Later, she attended and graduated from Hampton University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education.  While at Hampton, she became a member of the Gamma Theta Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority; a tradition begun by her sister, Rose.  During her tenure, she also took up modern dance, a passion of hers.

While pursuing her studies at Hampton, Ruby met her former husband, Calvin Hayes Parham, Sr.  From that union, she was blessed with a son, Calvin Hayes Parham, Jr., born on November 11, 1958.

After Calvin's birth, Ruby and her family moved to Baltimore, MD.  She was an educator in the Baltimore County Public School System.  Years later, Ruby moved to Southern Prince George’s County where she was employed as a media specialist (librarian) for several schools within her district until her retirement.  During her time with the Prince George’s County schools, she received awards for her innovative ideas some of which were used to help revamp the library system.

Ruby accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at a young age.  After returning to Prince George’s County, she joined the Unity of Washington, DC.  She was an avid believer in their teachings.

Ruby maintained several of her childhood friendships throughout her life.  It was easy for her to make friends.  When Ruby returned to Richmond, she developed new friendships when she became a member of the social club called the Drifters.  She was an active member and participated and enjoyed their activities involving helping her community.

Ruby leaves behind to mourn her passing her devoted and loving son, Calvin; grandchildren, Navell S. and Chanelle M. Parham; her loving sister, Rose Ferguson (Johnson); nieces, Dr. Angela Ferguson and Danita Terry (Ferguson); great niece, Drew Oliver; great nephew, Joshua Terry, and a host of cousins, other loving relatives and friends.

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