The Family that Prays Together, Stays Together!

The Children and Cousins of Rutha and Jimmy Laws

Here are six of their eight children with cousins. In the back is me,Cynthia LaVerne, born in 1948, the firstborn of Rutha's only, adopted by Jimmy. Below me on my left shoulder is Alcenia Glacilla, born October 31, 1950. She is standing next to Gwen Williams, Rutha's first cousin, also born October 31. On Alcenia's left is Mildred Chelsey, born October 11, l951. The boy to the far right is Jimmy James Jr Laws "the third", born September 26 l952, their first son. There was a baby, M'Linda" (deceased) born between the boys, but the other son is Loreno Laws, named after Jimmy's brother, born August 16, 1954. K'Netha is the caped child in the front middle. She was born January 7, 1958. Marguerite, not shown in this photo, is our beauty queen, was born May 5, l959! Laura "Gail" Bryd is our first cousin standing behind Jimmy's left shoulder. It's Easter Day at Grandma Druscilla's (Rutha's mom) home in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Rutha and Jimmy Laws Jr. "My Beloveth"

Here is Jimmy "Jr" James Laws, Jr. Handsome man who loved his Rutha. Look at the name he stroked across the top of her photo, "My Beloveth". Rutha, too, is a very beautiful person. She loved "Jimmy" and beared seven beautiful children for him. This blog is dedicated to them and their children, grandchildren and families!

Lady in Pink and White and a Young Man!

Rutha loved her sons! They were the joy and pride of her life--all of her seven children were! Here is her youngest son, Lorenzo--named after her husband, Jimmy's, baby brother, Lorenzo. (Rutha enjoyed naming her children after family members--it was her way of "passing on the legacy" Rutha older son's name is "Jimmy James Jr Laws the Third!" or so he called himself...) Her sons played instruments, like their father. They joined professional bands at 13 years of age. Lorenzo played the drums, Jimmy played the trumpet. Here is Lorenzo on Daytona Beach with his band, "Morning After". He is the band leader. He used the proceeds from this band to put himself through Bethune Cookman College. Here he is at graduation with Rutha, in the print dress, and sister, Alcenia. Can't you feel the PRIDE!!!!

Rutha's Siblings Celebrate with Portrait on Steps of Shiloh

Here is Rutha's sibling outside the church as she rests inside. On the back row from left to right is Lucinda, her youngest sister, and Vincent (Brother) her youngest brother. Next is Dot, Mildred, Jacq, then Juanita, D.L. and Elaine. Both Jacq and Juanita have joined Rutha in Glory.


Both, Mama Laws--as Rutha was lovingly called--Aunt Jacq and Aunt Juanita leave us here who loved and respected them. The brothers and sisters still here continue to grace us with love and support. Thank you Aunts and Uncles. WE LOVE YOU!!!! and Thank you for standing up for us in our mother's absence. Thank you!

Lady in White and Flowers!

Rutha was funeralized on Easter Saturday of 1992 (April). You can see she was loved and highly favored. Here she rests in Shiloh Baptist Church Sanctuary surrounded by beautiful flowers that overtook the choir loft and the pulpit. Mama, we miss you and look forward to joining you in that great "getting up morning" when it is our time to go. Thank you for your love and your smile. Your children just want to pass forward the love you showed. Amen.

Lady in White!

Here is Rutha with Jimmy "Jr"'s mother, "Mom". Mom's name is Alcenia Baker Laws---. The baby is Rutha's grandchild, Nathan, Jr. and Mom's great, grand child. Mom loved her older son,"Jr". She cared for him until his death. We miss her smile, elegance, and beauty.