LEE COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI (FarmWeek) — One woman has spent more than half a century shaping lives through 4-H.
Ruby Beckley, known to many as “Miss Ruby,” is Mississippi 4-H’s longest-serving volunteer, with 56 years of service in Lee County and across the state. She says her motivation has always been simple: helping young people succeed.
“I see that children need some help, and I want them to keep moving on,” Miss Ruby said. “I love the children, and they love me.”
Those who know her say it is that care which has made such a lasting impact on the community. 4-H MVLA reporter Lisha Hopper says Beckley represents what the program is all about.
“She’s who we should all strive to be, where 4-H is concerned<" Hopper said. “She is what a good leader should be. She cares about her people. She cares about her 4-H’ers. She cares about the volunteers, and she’s just an inspiration.”
After more than five decades, Beckley’s legacy goes beyond the programs she’s led. It lives on in the memories of the generations of 4-H she has helped guide.
