Ruby Mae Fenwick

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing “A Time to be Born” RUBY MAE OPHER-FENWICK, beloved daughter of the late Louis and Mary Dukes was born on February 12, 1934, in Manning, South Carolina. She was the oldest of this union with eight girls. On Monday morning, September 9, 2024, Ruby quietly slipped into eternal rest. “A Time to be Saved” At a very early age, Ruby accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and was a member of Ebenezer AME Church while growing up in South Baltimore, Maryland. In the early 1960’s, she and her family joined Shiloh Christian Community Church under the divine leadership of Rev. George Baynard. Throughout the years, Ruby encouraged other family members to join Shiloh. She was a faithful member with her regular attendance and participation. She loved her Pastor, Jimmy C. Baldwin, Sr., and her Shiloh church family. “A Time to Labor” Ruby attended Baltimore City Public Schools after her family moved from Manning, SC to Baltimore, MD. She was employed at Saint Agnes Hospital for over 40 years before retiring. “A Time to Love” In 1951, Ruby married John Opher. From this union they had five children. In 1999, she married Robert Fenwick and the two were inseparable until Robert’s death. “A Time to Laugh. A Time to Dance” In the early 1970’s, Ruby and her family moved to the Pimlico area where she enjoyed serving in community activities to improve and “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” beautify the neighborhood. She won several awards for the Preakness beautiful yard contests and served as a community neighborhood president for several years. Ruby was a loving, kind and caring person with a zest for life. Ruby was a member of the Fellowship Club of Shiloh and the Primary Social Club. She may have sold you a ticket to their many cabarets or bus trips. She enjoyed traveling and playing cards. In warm weather, you could find her sitting on her porch with family and friends. Ruby touched the lives of everyone who knew her. Her favorite times were hosting dinners at her home with her family and friends. It was a family tradition to have Thanksgiving or Christmas Dinner at Ruby’s house. “A Time to Mourn” She was the matriarch of the family and leaves to cherish her memory: her children, Joan Warren, Vanessa Opher Yerby, Kevin Opher, Jacqueline Opher, and Ivan Opher (Ronette); fifteen grandchildren, and twenty-five great-grandchildren; six sisters, Elouise Woods, Katherine Dukes, Vermell Williams, Evelyn Burke, Patricia Lewis (Dennis), and Beverly Lewis (Harvey), (Mary Louise Dukes preceded her in death); thirteen nieces and nephews, and a host of other family and friends. Mama, Big Sis, Grandma, Mama Ruby You will be missed by many.

Tributes

Ruby Mae Fenwick

February 12, 2024 - September 2, 2024