Services for Ruby Gray, a pioneer in civil rights and human services in Tacoma, have been scheduled for Saturday.
Gray, 74, died Wednesday in Burien.
She served the Tacoma community as an activist for civil rights for the black community and as an advocate for the disadvantaged, friends said.
She received numerous awards recognizing her work on behalf of the poor. Among them was the Citizens Award from the Tacoma Human Relations Commission in 1982 for her community service.
She also received a key to the City of Tacoma for her efforts to help the disenfranchised.
“Ruby was a hard and very conscientious worker for betterment of the community,” said Tacoma civic leader Ella Mae Crawford.
Former Tacoma Mayor Harold Moss said Gray was deeply involved in both governmental and nonprofit organizations tasked with improving the lot of struggling families.
During her long career, Gray served on the boards or advisory boards of many community groups, including Tacoma Goodwill, the Pierce County Council on Youth, the Eastside Epilepsy Foundation, the Opportunities Industrialization Center, the Tacoma Boys Club, the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary and the YWCA.
She worked for the Metropolitan Development Council, City of Tacoma, Tacoma Public Utilities, Comprehensive Employment & Training Services, F.O.R.C.E. and Salishan Alliance Community Services, retiring in 1993.
She was an only child, born to Alfred G. and Mary S. Black in Hartselle, Ala., on May 30, 1937. The family moved to Tacoma in 1940.
Gray attended Stadium High School and was a graduate of Howard University in Washington, D.C. After college, Gray returned to serve Tacoma as an activist ensuring equal opportunities for minorities.
She is survived by her daughter, Alyse Ruff; her son, Toney Gray; and several grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. at Miles Memorial CME Church, 1601 S. L St. in Tacoma.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.