Dr. Ruth Blackwell
/Dr. Ruth Blackwell
Four States Living Tribute To Women
photo by ALAMOND PHOTOGRAPHY
Solemn, witty, humorous, and friendly, Dr. Ruth Thelma Smith Blackwell is a retired speech pathologist who worked for TISD for 30 years. The founder and co-owner of Beacon Light Beauty College, Ruth has owned Superior Beauty Salon in Texarkana, Texas, for 73 years.
Dr. Blackwell (right) enjoys visiting with her daughter, Shirley Ann, during Zeta Phi Beta’s Outstanding Women’s banquet in 2018.
Dr. Ruth Blackwell married Dorsey Blackwell (now deceased), an employee at Red River Army Depot, who was also an agriculturist and cattleman. Two children were born to this union: a son, Covington Dexter (also deceased), and a daughter, Shirley Ann. Both of their children earned a B.A. degree from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Covington retired from the logistics department of the United States Government, and Shirley was a fourth grade teacher at Mt. Diablo Unified School District in Concord, California.
A lifelong learner, Dr. Blackwell earned a B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, and received a Speech Pathology and Audiology certification from The University of Texas in Austin. She then received an M.Ed. in Speech Pathology and Special Education from East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas, and continued post graduate study in counseling. At the age of 93, Dr. Blackwell earned a degree in Theology and Christian Counseling with honors at Texarkana Baptist Seminary.
“My parents were the most influential people in my life,” Dr. Blackwell explains. “They taught me to love God with all my heart and thy neighbor as thyself.” She cites one of her neighbors, Mrs. Bessie Brooks, as a teacher who also served as an encourager to her throughout her life.
An outstanding civic leader and community activist, Dr. Blackwell was presented an Outstanding Volunteer service award from the Texas Department on Aging by former governor of Texas, Ann Richards. She has also received recognition from the Literacy Council as a tutor for Literacy Volunteer of America, Inc., The City of Texarkana, Texas, and the YWCA Tribute to Women. She participated as a Junior Achievement mentor at TISD’s Texas Middle School and volunteered in the mentoring program for TASD’s Union Elementary School. Because of her service to others, The Whitaker Street of Truth Community Ministries named their youth ministry the “Dr. Ruth Blackwell Youth Ministry,” in her honor.
"A stitch in time saves nine."
- Author Unknown
The Way Bernice Riles Sees Her
It is not the years a woman has lived, but how much she has accomplished that indicates her usefulness. Dr. Blackwell is blessed with impressible spirit and a dynamic energy, transmitting her power to others. Generous to the local community and people in need, volunteerism is very important to Dr. Blackwell. She is a wonderful mother, grandmother, neighbor, and friend. She was in the business world for years, mainly centered around beauty, which she portrayed quite well. Dr. Blackwell is a devoted, active member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church where she is a member of the New Member’s Ministry. She is a public figure who is always courteous, friendly, outgoing, and always has a smile on her face. To me, Dr. Blackwell represents the embodiment of what is good, fine, righteous, and admirable. It is an honor to nominate her during this year’s Tribute to Women.
FUN FACTS
What is something unique about you that most people would not know?
“My mother did creative things with me like sewing and knitting. Her dream was that one of her three daughters would major in Home Economics.”
If you could have dinner with one person, famous or not, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be?
“If I could invite someone to dinner, it would be Maya Angelou.
If you could travel to space, and it was free, would you go?
“No, If I could travel free, I would like to go to the Holy Land, Sinai, and Jerusalem.”
What music do you listen to in your vehicle?
“When I am riding in a car, I like to listen to gospel, classic country, and jazz music.”
What did you imagine yourself being when you were growing up?
“I wanted to be a nurse. My aunt was an R.N., and she was my mentor.”
What is the last gift you gave someone?
“I sponsored a female tenth grade student to become a member of the Xino Club, The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., Beta Rho Chapter, Texarkana, for the year 2019-2020.”
What is your favorite meal that you order regularly at a local establishment?
“I regularly order a vegetable salad and baked chicken at local restaurants.”
If there was a movie produced about your life, which actress would portray you?
“The actress who would portray me would be Karen Abercrombie.