Reflections of a Beautiful Life

Jamzie Ruth Pinkard Hauntz was born January 24, 1934, in Mexia, Texas, to the union of James L. Pinkard and AlBessie Hobbs Pinkard. Ruth was the fifth daughter of seven girls. She graduated from Woodland High School in Mexia.

Ruth met Adolph A. Hauntz Jr. while attending Prairie View A&M University. They married in 1955 after college, and became residents of Houston, Texas. They were married 38 years until his passing. Three daughters were born to this union, Gwen, Renee and Tiffany.

Ruth was one of the only black employees of Maritime International Longshoreman Association (Maritime ILA), in the 1960's. She was a Claims Adjuster in Houston, Texas. Due to Adolph's promotion with Exxon, the family relocated to Dallas, Texas in 1966. She was a Claims Adjuster for Prudential Insurance.  She also worked for State Farm Insurance.

Adolph and Ruth became entrepreneurs in the early 1970's. They were owners of grocery stores and restaurants. They were one of the few black concessionaires at the State Fair of Texas for 38 years. In 1990, Ruth's Tamale House was voted "Best Tamale in Dallas" by D Magazine. A beautiful partnership with the Smokey John's BBQ family led to Ruth's Tamale House winning numerous awards which resulted in television appearances and radio interviews. In 2019, Ruth was honored with the "Rise and Shiner" award by WFAA Channel 8. She would open the restaurant at 3 AM, rain, shine, sleet or snow. Affectionately known as "Ms. Ruth" to her co-workers and "Moe" to her grandchildren, she was a woman who gave of herself, who shared the insights of her experience and the wisdom of her 91 years…may her memory be a blessing to all.

Other organizational affiliations include the National Association for the Advancement for Colored People (NAACP), American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and the League of Women Voters. She championed registering new voters. Ruth was a Volunteer Deputy Registrar in the state of Texas. She was awarded "Woman of the Year" in 2018 by the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW).

Ruth was a member of St. Luke Presbyterian Church, and later joined Glendale Presbyterian Church.  She served as lay liturgist, elder and was a member of the choir. Ruth cherished her family, her church and above all, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A true Proverbs 31 Woman!

Ruth was a published author. She wrote "Mama Said…and I Listened", as a tribute to her mother and a personal memoir.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, James and AlBessie Pinkard, her husband, Adolph A. Hauntz, Jr., her daughter, Renee Hauntz, her sisters, Elzadie Dix, Margie Calico, Thelma Hollie, Gracie Taylor and Emily Moore.

Ruth leaves to cherish her memory, daughters, Gwen (Marlon) Waites Sr., Lancaster, TX,  Tiffany (Nelson) Elzy, Lancaster, TX, sister, Onetia Pinkard, Nacogdoches, TX, grandchildren, Drs. Marlon (Kanesha) Waites Jr., Katy, TX, Marla Waites, Lancaster, TX,  Shelby Sternes, Lancaster, TX,  Camryn Sternes, Lancaster, TX, great-grand daughter, Marleigh Rae Waites, Katy, TX, God sons, Strode (Jennifer) Churchwell, Missouri City, TX, Juan (Pauline) Reaves, Dallas, TX, Brent (Charity) Reaves, Irving, TX, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, family and friends.