Proactive and Reactive Light

The different realms to which we are born--

The different garbs we all must adorn--

The different paths we are destined to take--

On the different journeys we must make--

The different loves we must encounter--

Makes the journey more full and rounder--

But from one light and from one source --

We all emerge from God of course.

The light of Ruby Pearl Washington emerged on May 26, 1952.  Born the tenth child of twelve to Christopher and Willie Lee Washington, Ruby believed that one must fight for their rightful position and role in such a large family. She sought out ways to establish, navigate and to protect her role through her reasoning, deeds and actions.  She was both proactive and reactive.  Ruby was persistent, determined and outspoken.  However, she was never combative or strongly contentious. She was steadfast, matter of fact and kind in all her assertions.  She never gave in to the pressures of others if she believed she was right.  Her fighting spirit developed early and transferred to many areas of her life.

Ruby grew up on a farm in rural Georgia where she learned and extolled the benefits of hard work, neighbor helping neighbor and a fierce passion for the glory of nature.

She possessed a strong penchant for shunning the spotlight regarding accolades, awards commendations or even compliments.  She was never one to hang her passion on ceremony or pageantry.  She wore a quiet vitality for friendships and kinships.  When spirits were low, she lifted them.  When esteem seemed lacking, she encouraged.  When there was sorrow, she consoled.  With these qualities, she fought for her place at school as well.  She attended elementary school at the Pierce County Training School, Patterson Georgia.  Later she attended Lee Street High School in Blackshear and Patterson High School.  She was popular because she was loyal and possessed a spiritual wisdom upon which some of her friends depended.  She was unapologetically straightforward, honest and pointed.  She managed this without judgment or sanctimony. She was well respected and comfortable in this role. She was unconditionally supportive.

Ruby’s spiritually blossomed as she matured.  But the foundation of her spirit was rooted and nurtured at the St. James Missionary Baptist Church, Patterson, Ga.  She attended Sunday school, church services and special events at St. James and other area church establishments.  She participated in holiday pageants and attended district associations meetings.  This training helped to shape her spiritual beliefs and practices for life.

Created as a creature of Divine Creativity, Ruby’s passion for photography begin in middle grades.  She possessed a special way of interacting with people and objects and begin to capture their essence through her lens.  She had an intense intuition for communicating powerful expressions with her lens that only her eye could capture.

From these humble beginnings, Ruby became photographer extraordinaire.  She attended photography school in Miami Florida and New York City.  Upon completion, she was hired by the New York Times in the photo lab area of the picture desk.  Her desire was to become a staff photographer.  She persisted in her pursuit and became the first black woman New York Times staff photographer.  One of her colleagues stated “Ruby had a unique vision – a way of looking at various subjects she photographed, showing a truth and a compassion for those in her work.  She had an integrity and strength that showed as well in her photography from the wide range of assignments she covered for the paper.”  Areas she covered were Real estate, press conferences, political, and social activities, human relations, visiting foreign leaders, fashion, human interest and especially capturing the arts in music and dance. “She excelled in all she covered and did it with dignity and respect.” (Marilynn K. Yee)

Working with the New York Times was Ruby’s pride and joy.  She realized that her journey was not a solo one.  Upon many occasions she spoke of numerous colleague who supported her along the way.  One such individual she described as a mentor and friend was Bill Cunningham.  Mr. Cunningham was a fellow staff photographer who specialized in fashion photography.

Ruby received numerous prestigious awards and citations for her 40 years body of work.  Although she was grateful for the recognition, her laser focus was always the quality of her work.  Along with others, she assisted in the care of a fellow New York Times staff photographer Dith Pran.  Even in her own illness, she carried herself with dignity and calm.  She had a zest for the beauty in life even under perilous circumstances.  Few of us can claim such courage and clarity of being – This is a gift.

For Whom The Bell Tolls

Ruby Pearl Washington

Luminous white light converging

Between the brilliance of

Iridescent portals--rendering them wide

A soul is called home--taking its flight

Into the Kingdom of Heaven

And the bell tolled

The bell tolled September 12, 2018 when Ruby Pearl Washington bid her final adieu on earth and was welcomed by the universal heavenly angels.

Ruby was wed to Arthur Coppedge.  They produced one child, Courtney.  Arthur preceded Ruby in death.  Preceding her in death are her parents, Christopher and Willie Lee Washington; four brothers: Chris, Albert, David, Jonathan and one sister, Bessie.

Ruby leaves behind an indelible legacy of historical and personal significance in both her personal and professional life.  Those who cherish her most and will hold her dearly are:

A loving and devoted daughter: Courtney Coppedge, Brooklyn, New York

Five Sisters: Louisa Taylor, Patterson, Georgia

Rebecca Washington, Patterson, Georgia

Beulah Brown, Statesboro, Georgia

Sylvia Johnson, Atlanta, Georgia

Freddie Washington, Brooklyn, New York

One Brother: Isaiah Washington, Patterson, Georgia

One Sister-in-law: Linda Washington, Dale City Virginia

One Brother-in-law: Richard Taylor, Patterson, Georgia

and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends along with the grateful and supportive staff of the New York Times

The family will receive friends at 5608 Aarons Way, Patterson, GA; the home house.

A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, September 21st., at the funeral home, 505 Ware Street, Blackshear.

A Celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 22nd, at the St. James (on the Ridge) Missionary Baptist Church in Patterson. Bishop Albert Williams, pastor, will bring words of comfort.

Interment will follow in the St. James (on the Ridge) Cemetery

Final and most sacred arrangements are entrusted to the professional care of Rainge Memorial Chapel, Inc.