Ruby Glover died doing what she was born to do.
Singing.
The 77-year-old jazz singer collapsed on stage from a massive stroke Friday during a benefit for the House of Ruth. She died Saturday at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center.
At 6 p.m. Thursday, Sojourner-Douglass College will host a tribute to celebrate Glover.
Dr. Charles W. Simmons, president and founder of Sojourner-Douglass College, said Glover was a dear friend. “She was one of the most gracious persons I have ever met. She never had a harsh word about anyone. She was always vibrant, always graceful, always helpful.”
Sojourner-Douglass? board of directors is working on approving an honorary doctorate for Glover. The final decision will be announced at the tribute, but Simmons said he had “no doubt that the members will agree to it.”
Funeral services for Glover will be held Friday evening at City Temple Baptist Church, at 317 Dolphin St. The wake begins at 6 p.m.
Glover was taught to sing by her jazz vocalist mother, Inez Bell. She became a fixture in jazz clubs in Baltimore in the 1940s. Working as an administrator for Johns Hopkins, Glover volunteered and advocated for the arts in Baltimore?s schools. She created the Billie Holiday Vocal Competition, taught jazz appreciation and served on the board of directors at her alma mater, Sojourner-Douglass College.
Baltimore resident Thomas Turner, 75, is the volunteer coordinator at the Waxter Center for Senior Citizens, where Glover volunteered for the last 15 years. “Ms. Glover always came in with a smile on her face,” he said.
