Elsie Parsons Rubin

Elsie was born in Gadsden Alabama August 16th, 1933 to Elsie Parson and Dudley Guilford Parson. She was married on December 20, 1959, to Rabbi Saul J. Rubin. She was a devoted and loving wife and mother for 63 years. Elsie and Saul had two children, Lance Hays Rubin, and Stephanie Lynn Rubin (deceased).

Elsie served by Rabbi Rubin’s side in three Reform Jewish congregations in Richmond, Virginia, Savannah and Brunswick, Georgia.

Rabbi Rubin said, “She changed people’s lives wherever she lived and worked.” Rabbi Rubin says that she was born to teach, and that her students loved her. “Whenever they saw her, they would come up and hug her.”

She graduated from the University of Alabama and received an MA from Central Michigan University, and a Doctor of Divinity (Honorary) degree from South University in Savannah.

After graduating from the University of Alabama, Elsie taught middle school in Gadsden Alabama and was elected to receive the Alabama “Teacher of the Year” award and presented with a gold medal by the Governor.

For three years she was elected President of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) in Gadsden. She was a longtime member of Mickve Israel Sisterhood in Savannah and taught Sunday School there. While living in Savannah, she also traveled to Brunswick on weekends with Rabbi Saul and taught Sunday School at Temple Beth Tefilloh in 1972 and 1973.

She loved playing bridge and cruising with her husband. Together, they sailed on over forty cruises.

She was an ardent University of Alabama football fan and was a classmate of “Broadway” Joe Nameth. She was also a star actress and supporter at Gadsden’s Little Theater.

Elsie was predeceased by her parents and grandparents and her daughter, Stephanie. Survivors include, her husband, Rabbi Saul Rubin, Son Lance, one niece Carolyn living in Gadsden and another niece living in Savannah.

The family would like to thank the devoted caregivers of Coastal Hospice, Kiley Glaser and Sharon Olson. Thanks also to Ashley Austin-Ring, and friends Richard Friedman and Barbara and Mason Stewart for their assistance.

Barbara and Mason Stewart, Richard Friedman, and Ashley Austin-Ring for their help and support during this time of grief.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Elsie’s memory may be made to Temple Beth Tefilloh 1326 Egmont St. Brunswick, Ga. 31520 or Mickve Israel History fund, 20 East Gordon St. Savannah, GA 31401.

Funeral services will be Wednesday November 29 at 1:00 PM at Temple Beth Tefilloh, 1326 Egmont Street, brunswick, Georgia.

Edo Miller and Sons funeral home is assisting the family with final arrangements. Friends may pay their respects Thursday, November 30th from 4 to 6 PM at Rabbi Rubin’s home on Saint Simons Island.