Ruth S. Gary

Gary ~ On Saturday, April 18, 2026, our Father God gently called home one of His most faithful and cherished daughters, Ruth Shields Gary. While Heaven gained an angel, our hearts felt a loss so deep it cannot be fully put into words.

Ruth was born on February 15, 1931, the third of five children to the late Juanita Holmes Shields and Stephen E. Shields. From the very beginning, her life was rooted in faith, strength, and an unwavering love for her family. She was a woman who gave endlessly - her time, her wisdom, her guidance, and most of all, her love.

She was educated in the Duval County School System and graduated from Stanton High School in 1948. Ruth continued her journey at Bethune-Cookman College, earning her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1952. Teaching was not just something Ruth did, it was who she was. For over forty years, Ruth shaped young minds and touched countless lives, leaving a legacy that will continue for generations. Even after retiring from the Broward County School System, she continued to pour into children’s lives as a substitute teacher well into her eighties - because loving and guiding others was simply in her nature.

Ruth continued to evolve as a woman of Strength and Wisdom and at 89 years old she became the independent small business owner of All Communication Network.

Ruth had a spirit that was both strong and full of life. She shared a special, unbreakable bond with her cousin, Frances, who became like a sister and best friend. Together, they created a lifetime of memories filled with laughter, resilience, and unwavering support.

She was first united in marriage to Ishmael Sharpe Sr., and from that union came her beloved son, Ishmael Sharpe III. Later, she married Herman Gary, who preceded her in death.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. Raised in St. Stephen AME Church and Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Ruth later became a devoted Episcopalian. She faithfully served in her church communities and remained a committed member of St. Philips Episcopal Church, living out her faith daily through love, service, and quiet strength.

To know Ruth was to know true, unconditional love. She was the one who held everything together - the steady presence, the comforting voice, the guiding hand. Ruth showed up, she gave, and she loved without limits.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving son, Ishmael Sharpe III; granddaughters, Karina Taylor (Joe), Natalya Dewberry, Milan Sharpe, Belieze Sharpe, and Caprielle Sharpe; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Austin Dewberry, Parker Taylor, Ayden Dewberry, and McKenzie Taylor. Ruth also leaves her daughter/niece, Sheron Shields Moody (Harry), along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends whose lives were forever touched by her love.

For those who knew her best, especially her grandchildren, Ruth was more than a grandmother. She was home. She was safety. She was strength. She was love in its purest form. Her presence filled every room, her wisdom shaped generations, and her love is something that will never leave us, even in her absence.

Though she was preceded in death by her siblings, Johnny E. Shields (Janet), Cornelius Shields (Shirley), Altamese Roberts, and Delores Newsom (Luther), we find peace in knowing she is reunited with them in eternal rest.

If a life can be measured by the love it gives and the lives it touches, then Ruth’s life was truly extraordinary. As the hymn says, “If I can help somebody, then my living shall not be in vain,” and without question—her life was not in vain.

Celebration of Life service for Mrs. Ruth Shields Gary will be 12:00PM Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Saint Stephen African Methodist Episcopal Church, 913 West 5th Street.  Visitation Friday from 2 – 4:00 PM at The Soutel Chapel.  Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Because of the love of her family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Drive, 904-924-9400

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