On June 21, 1946, in Kilgore, Texas, a beautiful baby girl was born to Itasca Hooper and Doris Mosley. Raised as an only child, Jimmie grew into a vibrant young woman with a spirited personality and a true zest for life. She was educated in Kilgore at CB Dansby School, graduating in 1964, and later continued her studies at Kilgore College and Tyler Real Estate College.

Adventurous and entrepreneurial by nature, Jimmie launched several small businesses over the years, most notably Itasca J. Ruth and Associates—an interior design, catering, and consulting company. She also dedicated her talents to serving her community through her work at the Kilgore Crisis Center and Leverett’s Chapel ISD.

Jimmie had a deep love for flowers and gardening, and she took great joy in cultivating the colorful blooms that filled her yard. As a proud member of the Fannie Rausaw Garden Club, she could name and nurture countless varieties of flowers. Many afternoons were spent on her patio, enjoying the blossoms and the birds they attracted—though she often joked about the “dern deer” who wandered in and helped themselves to her hard work. Her passion for decorating shone through in every corner of her home, a place she took pride in and lovingly tended.

A devoted servant of the Lord, Jimmie was baptized at New Light Baptist Church, where she served for many years as the church musician. She later devoted over forty years of faithful service to Macedonia Baptist Church in Overton, Texas, a church founded in part by her grandparents, James and Lizzie Hooper. As Church Mother, she cherished her responsibilities and participated wholeheartedly in numerous ministries, including youth Sunday School, missionary work, the choir, and the culinary ministry. She was also an active member of the Pentecost Community Bible Study group.

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, sisters, aunts, uncles, and her spouses.

In 1962, she married the late Howard Ray Mauldin, with whom she welcomed six children. She later married the late George Sheppard.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Elizabeth (Frederick) Runnels of Killeen, Texas; and her sons Darron Mauldin (Julia) and Ray Mauldin (Sheila), both of Denver, Colorado; David Mauldin (Shirley) of Kilgore, Texas; Eric Mauldin (Jolandra) of Harker Heights, Texas; and Steven Mauldin (Carol) of Bowie, Maryland. Her sisters, Katy Mosley, Joyce Holomon, Dorothy Hill, Iris Marie Brasher, and Deborah Nelson. A brother, Wilbert Mosley of Jefferson, Texas. She also leaves behind 18 grandchildren, 17 great‑grandchildren, and one great‑great‑grandchild.

She is further remembered by her special sister and sister‑in‑law, Melba Johnson (Michael) of Tyler, Texas; sisters‑in‑law Billie Mumphrey (Troy) and Ardena Ashley, both of Tyler; Mildred Ramsey of Las Vegas, Nevada; brother‑in‑law Richard Mauldin (Delores) of Tyler; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.