Marie Ruth Rideaux

Marie Ruth Rideaux, 82, went to be with the Lord on Friday, December 9, 2022 after suffering with congestive heart failure. She was the fifth female of eleven children, born to the union of Joe Pierce and Carlee Rabb Pierce in Freemanville, Alabama on June 15, 1940. Seven siblings preceded her in death: twins Sally and Annie (18 months old), Zedia (1981), Magdeline (2013), George Delano (2014), Jim (2017) and Chester (2019). Marie attended Escambia County High School and graduated in 1957. She spent her early years cooking for her parents and siblings. She became an excellent cook and was well known for many dishes especially her delicious candied yams. As an adult, she lived in California and Houston, Texas. Marie retired from the Harris County Hospital District as a receptionist in Houston. She was hired to work upstairs but her bosses quickly noticed that she was a classy dresser so they moved her to the first floor so she could interact with the general public. Upon moving to Pensacola in 2003, she worked as a Caregiver to several local families. Later in life, she also worked tirelessly as a Caregiver for her two brothers, Delano and “CJ” until their passing. As a young child, Marie gave her life to the Lord and was baptized in Freemanville, Alabama. She loved the Lord and was a member of Churches wherever she lived. Upon moving to Pensacola, she joined St. James Missionary Baptist Church where she was a faithful member. She sung in the Senior choir and volunteered at her Church monthly to distribute food to the needy. Marie longed to visit the Holy Land and had planned to attend a tour with a local Church but when Covid came the tour was cancelled. She loved her family and had a variety of pets including “Buster”, a cockatiel, and several dogs throughout her life-time. Two of her passions were shopping and making things beautiful. She loved to decorate her home and went all out for the Christmas Holidays! The thing that gave her the most joy and peace though was planting and growing flowers. She was so happy when she got hired to work at Lowes in the garden department but her failing heart prevented her from accepting the position. Marie spent countless hours in her yard which paid off because it became the “talk of the neighborhood.” Her most favorite bloom of all was the sunflower. Marie is survived by two brothers and one sister: Solomon Pierce (Susan) of Atlanta, Joe Pierce (Doratha) of Alabama; and Gladys Harden of Pensacola. Four children: Sandra Montgomery, Charles Montgomery, Alisa Montgomery, all of Pensacola; and Marlon Montgomery (Mary) of New Jersey. Three grandchildren: Jasmine Montgomery of Atlanta, Marlon LaFleur of New Jersey; Jason Cage of Texas; Four great grandchildren: Maya LaFleur and Isaiah LaFleur of New Jersey, Jason Cage Jr. and Jaynasia Cage of Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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Marie Ruth Rideaux

June 15, 1940 - December 9, 2022