A Symphony of Life: Celebrating the Melody of Ruby Carolyn Hardy-Minter

On January 29, 1945, a new song began in Memphis, Tennessee, when Ruby Carolyn Hardy was born to the late Ernest and Ruby Beatrice Burrell Hardy. From her first note to her final coda, Ruby composed a life filled with harmony, grace, and resounding impact.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Rufus West and Dr. F. Oliver Hardy; and sister Cozetta West Hence, yet their love remained the chords that underpinned her symphony.

Ruby’s early life was a hymn of faith and love, shaped by weekly visits to Vance Avenue Church of Christ, where the teachings of Minister Nokomis Yeldell tuned her moral compass. Her dedication to excellence was a crescendo throughout her life. After graduating with honors from Carver High School in 1962, Ruby pursued the melody of higher learning at Knoxville College, earning a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. It was there she met her former duet partner, Wilbert D. Minter, with whom she shared the joy of their son, Wilbert D. Minter, Jr.

Ruby's life was also a celebration of style and elegance. A fashionista from her teenage years, she was crowned “Best Dressed” in Memphis numerous times. Her keen sense of style led her to aspire to become the first Black woman featured in Glamour magazine by competing in its prestigious “10 Best Dressed College Women in America” contest. Though she did not win, her bold couture inspired others, paving the way for the first Black woman to grace Glamour’s cover just two years later.

Ruby’s passion for music was matched by her love for literature and language, forming a beautiful counterpoint in her life. Fascinated by the rhythm and flow of words, she earned a Master of Science in English Education from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and conducted postgraduate studies in applied linguistics at Columbia University in New York, expanding her repertoire with scholarly research across Europe and Asia. Her professional life was a magnum opus of teaching, leadership, and innovation.

Ruby’s career took her to New Delhi, India, as a Fulbright Scholar, where she taught and conducted research on English as a Second Language. Back in the United States, she shattered barriers as the first African-American teacher at Norwood Jr. High School in Oliver Springs, TN. For 17 years, Ruby orchestrated young minds and talents, founding the celebrated traveling show choir “The Bostic Specials,” which brought communities together through the universal language of music.

In 1986, Ruby returned to Memphis, where her leadership illuminated institutions like State Technical Institute and Memphis City Schools. At Central High School, she blended her expertise in music and English, directing show-stopping concert choirs and guiding students with her visionary leadership. Her choirs’ performances were nothing short of masterpieces, earning standing ovations and accolades.

Ruby’s tenure at LeMoyne-Owen College was the “Crown Jewel” of her illustrious career. As a cherished Professor of English and Royal Court Advisor, she nurtured generations of students with unparalleled care and devotion. Her steadfast commitment was recognized with Advisor of the Year honors in 2012 and 2018, cementing her legacy as a guiding star for future leaders.Under the appointment of her brother, Dr. F. Oliver Hardy, Ruby became the faculty advisor for the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity Incorporated Delta Eta Boule Foundation Boule Scholars at LeMoyne-Owen College. Her mentorship produced countless young men who have become accomplished professionals, carrying forward the legacy of excellence and service that Ruby exemplified.

Beyond the classroom, Ruby’s voice resonated through public radio as a news announcer and public affairs director for WLOK Radio in Memphis, and as the host of WATO Radio’s “Women’s Dateline Show” in Oak Ridge, TN. Her professional affiliations included memberships in the American Association of United Professors, the National Education Association, the Fulbright Scholar Alumni, and the Knoxville College Alumni Association. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, she was initiated into the Oak Ridge Alumnae Chapter on April 13, 1985. Ruby’s life was a masterpiece—a symphony composed of faith, intellect, courage, and style.

Her melody lingers in the hearts of those who mourn her passing and celebrate her extraordinary life. She is survived by son, Wilbert Douglas (Nelia) Minter, Jr., former husband Wilbert Minter, Sr. Sparta, GA; brother, Wade (Joy) Hardy; former daughter-in-law Joyce Phillips, grandchildren, Malik Martin Minter of Atlanta, GA, Phillips Hardy Minter of Knoxville, TN, Juliana DiBase and Daniella DiBiase both of Toronto, Canada In-laws, Robert ( Regina) Minter, Jr., Annie Minter Jones, Jerry Gardner, Irma James, James Minter, Mary Helen Lambert; Ret. Sgt Major William (Carolyn) Lambert Knoxville, TN; Voula Lambert of Athens, Greece; Rhonda Lambert (Dwight) Treadwell; nieces, Claudette (Tony ) Smith; Sylvia ( Billy Joe) Shannon, Sr.; Deborah (Michael)Williams, Corral Springs, FL; Sophia Hardy (LaTerryan) James, Summer Hardy and Retired Judge Loyce Lambert (LaFerre) Ryan; nephews, Vernon Hence, Memphis, TN.; Bill Hence Marrietta, GA along with a host of great nieces, nephews and other relatives who will forever cherish the notes she played in their lives. As Ruby Carolyn Hardy-Minter takes her final bow, the echoes of her life’s symphony will inspire generations to come. Her legacy is a melody that will never fade, a testament to a life beautifully lived and profoundly loved.

Memorial Service will be on Friday January 24, 2025, 5:30 PM at Christ Missionary Baptist Church 495 S Parkway E. Inurnment will be Saturday January 25, 2025, 10 AM at Serenity Columbarium and Memorial Gardens, 1622 Sycamore View Rd.