PHYLLIS J. CUMMINGS - JAMES “RUBY ” A caring protector. A dedicated family woman. A phenomenal educator. Phyllis Cummings - James was a multifaceted woman that believed in herself and all those around her! She believed in family first, children as beacons of light, and always being the life of the party. Her energetic, free spirit will continue with us as we celebrate her life today and beyond….. On July 24, 1948, Whitfield “Prince” & Louisa “Bessie” Cummings welcomed their baby girl - Phyllis J. Cummings into the world. Affectionately known to her family as Ruby, she was born in St. Nicholas, Aruba where she spent her early years with her two older brothers Zephrine and Nestor and younger brother, Patrick. As the only girl, she enjoyed the attention of her broth[1]ers and being doted upon by her loving parents. In April of 1955, Prince and Bessie migrated to the United States in search of a better life for their family. Once here, the entire Cummings family reunited, connecting those born in Carriacou, W.I and Aruba. As parents, Prince and Bessie believed that education was the key to a successful life, and impressed upon their ten children the importance of educational success. In keeping with this tradition, Ruby successfully graduated from Erasmus Hall High School in 1966, and went on to successfully attain both Bachelor ’s and Master ’s degrees from Brooklyn College. Always the trailblazer, Phyllis set out to make a mark on the world! She chose to do this work through children. From the beginning of her career, she did all she could to assist and empower children to be who they were, free of any limitations. From working as a drug abuse counselor in Pacific High School, to teaching 5th graders at P.S. 72, Phyllis believed that children needed the support and guidance from those around them, and she took this task to heart! As an advocate for chil[1]dren, she worked tirelessly to ensure that all children, specifical[1]ly Special Education students, were given the best educational experiences possible. A fierce leader - Phyllis would take people to task if she thought they were placing limitations or doing a disservice to “her babies”. As an Early Intervention Specialist, she often opened her home to preschoolers to help them with their fine motor skills, and speech and language abilities. As a Department of Education Preschool Administrator for the Committee of Special Education, she reviewed services for preschoolers and advocated for them to receive the necessary support to thrive! Her love and passion for children was unwavering, and never to be questioned. Keeping with this sentiment, she poured all she could into her own children. Her first born, Ralph, Jr. (Chubby) was her pride and joy. Having him at the tender age of 21, many thought that she would not be able to handle the journey of motherhood at the time. WRONG! Ruby rose to the challenge to ensure that Chubby had it all. She worked hard to ensure he had the best schools, flyest clothes and best role models around him to ensure his success as a man. When she met her husband, John (Bill) in 1979, she made sure that he understood that Chubby was a priority! As they built the foundation for this new family, the three of them welcomed the last of the James crew when Mya was born in 1982. Ruby had a special connection with her daughter. She took her daughter everywhere as a child - Saturday trips to the mall on Long Is[1]land, vacations across the country, and even to work! Ruby poured all of the life lessons that her mother taught her into Mya at an early age, and continued to do so throughout her life. Ruby loved so much and so hard! She enjoyed attending concerts, traveling the world with her husband Bill, brother Zpehrine and sister -in -law Evelyn. One of her favorite places to visit was her birthplace of Aruba. She adored her Saturday shopping adventures with her sisters (the fashionistas), game nights with her family and dancing the night away at a good party. However, above all, Ruby loved her family - her immediate family, as well as extended ones! Following in her mother’s footsteps, she believed that family always came first, and we all must be there to support one another. If there was a family event, Ruby was front and center, offering her help and cheering the loudest. Similar to her mother, she welcomed everyone into her home, and a seat at the table for Sunday dinner! Whether you were blood or not, once you walked through her door, you were fami[1]ly and she loved you all the same! She was compassionate and considerate - always thinking about others. Ruby firmly believed in extending a helping hand to all of those around her. Phyllis now joins her parents and siblings - Vivian, John, Ann, Helen, Veronica, Martin, Zephrine and Patrick as she makes her final transition. Her legacy, and that of the Cummings family will continue to live on through her loving husband, John (Bill), son Ralph (Chubby), and daughter Mya, along with daughter-in[1]law Mecca, son-in-law Marvin, grandchildren Ralph III, Corey, Jelani, Nicolas, Madisen and Myles, great grandchildren, MacKenzie, Ralph IV, Ryan and Corey Jr. She will continue to be uplifted by her loving brother Carlos; nieces and nephews: George (Tony), Susan, Kenya, Kai, Afi, Taiwo, Delwyn, Leilani, Alike’, Naomi and Jahangir; Grand nieces & nephews: Iesha, Jahmeila, Kimberly, Stephanie, Jahnai, Ashley, Gavin, Natalie, Tailyn, Mason, Davien, Faith, Ava and Gabriel and countless family and friends.