Hundreds mourn local gospel icon Mother Ruby Summerville-Dickson
By Joan Harrell and Meliqueica Meadows
For the St. Louis American
When Mother Ruby Summerville-Dickson hosted the American Gospel Quartet Convention’s local awards luncheon the weekend of November 19, no one knew it would be her last such event. After organizing the weekend-long event, Mother Ruby – as she was affectionately known by those who knew and loved her – died Monday, November 21 at the age of 65.
Her funeral on Tuesday at Leonard Missionary Baptist Church became a marathon of praise and testimony to the greatness of perhaps the single most beloved person in the St. Louis gospel community. Her passing touched countless musicians, pastors and congregants who have been uplifted by her tireless efforts to spread the gospel in song.
“The whole world has lost a wonderful person, but God has gained an angel,” said radio personality and American columnist Bernie Hayes, who first met Mother Ruby over 40 years ago when both worked at KIRL.
“Ruby was not just into the gospel music scene. She was into people, and she was an activist. She was into the betterment of everyone.”
Mother Ruby was born in Crossette, Arkansas to Lenora and Moses Summerville in 1940. She moved to St. Louis in 1959. Family members said Mother Ruby accepted Christ at a young age and sang her first song in church. She attended St. Louis Community College at Forest Park, where she obtained an associate’s degree in telecommunications.
In 1966, Mother Ruby formed the gospel singing group The Angelettes and the following year married the Reverend Kermit Dickson. The couple had three children, Rodney D. Summerville, Felicia L. Summerville-Wilcox and Steven U. Summerville, and four grandchildren.
A well-known radio personality and gospel singer, Mother Ruby toured with gospel greats such as Mahalia Jackson, the Reverend James Cleveland, the Mighty Clouds of Joy and the Caravans. Mother Ruby had over 24 years of experience in local radio, hosting various programs for KIRL and WGNU. Through her work she became an advocate for local gospel music. In 1986 she was awarded the Announcer of the Year award.
Mother Ruby was president of the St. Louis Chapter of the American Gospel Quartet Convention and was instrumental in the establishment of the St. Louis Chapter in 1999. Labeled as a spiritual renewal event, the annual awards luncheon showcased an impressive gallery of local and national talent and industry insiders.
Hayes remembered her work with the Gospel Music Workshop of America and later the American Gospel Quartet Convention.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen Ruby angry, even when there were problems with the Gospel Music Workshop, with different people fighting for control of it,” Hayes said.
“I know she’s gone, but I know she left a legacy and trained someone to take her place. The Gospel Quartet Convention will survive.”
The Reverend Charles Hilton Jr. serves as the general chairperson for the local American Gospel Quartet Convention. He worked alongside Mother Ruby to organize the November 19 event.
“We’re going to keep the group active like Mother Ruby kept it active,” Hilton said.
“She was also involved nationally and attended major conventions throughout the city to help promote gospel music. That’s what her main vision was, and we will continue her work.”
Mother Ruby spent her final days doing what she loved best – organizing an awards luncheon to showcase local gospel music. The event drew participants from across the country. This year, the Reverend Jerry Mannery, director of the Gospel Division for Malaco Records, served as keynote speaker.
“I love Mother Ruby, and I always come to the awards luncheon to hear the Word and expecting to see new gospel talents,” Mannery said after this year’s event.
During her many years promoting local gospel, Mother Ruby made many dear friends who are still coming to terms with her unexpected passing. Upon notice of her death, messages appeared on several websites, including the WGNU site and The Black Gospel Blog.
A message posted on the WGNU website said, “She was a beloved friend and mentor to countless numbers of gospel artists and church families all over the country. She will be deeply missed.”
“We who have had the chance to work with, or simply meet, Mother Ruby are deeply saddened by the news, but are grateful that she passed away peacefully and is on her way to be with the Lord,” a note on The Black Gospel Blog website stated.
Hayes said that while many remember Mother Ruby for her work on behalf of gospel musicians, he would miss the optimistic demeanor of his dear friend the most.
“I’ll always remember her smile, her laughter and her upbeat, bubbly personality,” Hayes said. “All the words in the dictionary could not describe how much I will miss her and what she meant to me.”
