Ms. Ruby Virginia Bowser

I fought the good fight, I finished the race, I kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 On May 24, 2023, God called his angel, Ruby W. Bowser, from labor to reward. Ruby was born on January 28, 1933, in Alexandria, Virginia, to the late William and Ella J. Lewis. She was the youngest of nine children born to this union. Ruby was educated in the Alexandria City Public Schools and she graduated from Parker-Gray High School in 1950. In the early 1950’s, Ruby married Alfred Ward and moved to Morgan City, Louisiana. To this union were born seven children, Barbara, Dale, Alvin, David, Melvin, Patricia and Karen Ward. In 1964, Ruby returned to Alexandria with her children. Family was everything to Ruby. As a stay-at-home mom, she not only raised her own children, but she also took care of her great nieces and nephews. She was always ready and eager to provide her family with whatever they needed. In the mid-1960’s, Ruby reconnected with her dear friend, Thomas J. Bowser, and as a result of their reconnection, in 1968, the two became one in marriage. To this union were born Gayle and Gladys Bowser. In her early career life, Ruby was employed by the Alexandria Chapter of the National Urban League. While working with the National Urban League, Ruby was instrumental in helping the organization to achieve its mission, “to enable and empower African Americans and others in underserved communities to achieve their highest human potential and secure economic reliance, parity, power and civil rights.” Ruby’s career expanded when she took a position with the federal government at The United States Patent and Trademark Office where she received numerous honors and outstanding awards. Years later, she transferred to the United States Library of Congress. Overall, her employment service with the federal government totaled over thirty years before her retirement. Ruby’s faith in Christ Jesus was the foundation of her life. Her faith journey began when she accepted Christ as her personal Savior, was baptized by Rev. Nathaniel Hargrave and united with Ebenezer Baptist Church, Alexandria, Virginia in the late 1940’s. Ruby transferred her membership to Meade Memorial Episcopal Church, Alexandria, Virginia, in 1969, after marrying Thomas J. Bowser. She was a member of the Altar Guild Committee and participated in the Saturday Outreach Feeding Program. In 2008, Ruby returned to her home church, Ebenezer Baptist Church, under the pastorate of Reverend Dr. Duane T. Kay. In 2011, Ruby united with The First Baptist Church, Inc. of North Brentwood, Maryland, where Dr. Kay currently serves as Senior Pastor. She was a faithful member of “First Baptist”, where she enjoyed attending Bible classes every Saturday, and participating in the annual “Missions Blitz”; which she loved dearly, until her health began to decline. Ruby was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother, who enjoyed traveling with her children and grandchildren. She loved spending time with her family, during regular family visits and holidays. These visits always gave her much joy. Ruby was considered the family griot, who always made sure that the family history was well preserved. She loved assembling jigsaw puzzles as well as working on crossword puzzles, and she was a sports fanatic. She imparted the love of football and basketball to her children. In addition, she loved watching Western movies with her children and grandchildren who would also engage in watching the movies alongside her. She is predeceased by three children, Melvin, Gayle and David; and grandson, Darrell Ward. Ruby leaves to cherish her loving and precious memories: her children, Barbara Ward, Dale Ward (Debra), Alvin Ward, Patricia Ward, Karen Ward, and Gladys Green (Andre); her daughter-in-law, Sarah Ward; fourteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Ruby will always be remembered as a sweet, kind and humble person. and a true friend to all who knew her. She will indeed be missed by ALL.

Ms. Ruby Virginia Bowser

January 28, 1933 - May 24, 2023

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