Yesterday afternoon I attended a church member’s funeral. Ruby had been under hospice care after a battle with cancer. She was in her 70s.

I met Ruby because she was a fellow alto in the church choir. Her voice was soulful and beautiful. Walking in to her funeral, I knew she was musical, a long-time educator in the Austin Independent School District (AISD), and a long-time member of our church. It turns out I knew very little.

The choir (leaving Ruby’s chair empty) sang five songs in her honor. 13 people (including the former AISD Superintendent) spoke of Ruby’s accomplishments. Ruby earned her master’s degree in the 50s. As a black woman receiving her masters in Texas in the 50s – she led the way for so many. Heather told me her husband was the first black Austin City Councilman since the 1800s. When Ruby retired after a long career as an educator and administrator, the City of Austin declared her retirement day as Ruby Handcox Day.

Ruby!?!? You were amazing.

After the service, Callie, Sarah H., Heather and I enjoyed a long conversation about Ruby over margaritas and queso. We talked about her ability to make people understand civil issues. Her civic leadership. How classy she was and how hilarious she was. We even had debates of our own as we discussed global warming, gay rights, and church politics. There we were, educated, young, working women lucky enough to talk openly about our views of the world. Ruby would be glad to know that’s what we did after her service. We are lucky to have these freedoms – thanks to trailblazers like Ruby.

This is one of the many reasons I belong to a church community. I learn from strong women older than me.

After the funeral, I received an email that my college roommate Becky is having a baby boy. The circle of life! Life made more equal by people like Ruby Handcox.

God bless you, Ruby.