Ruby Jean Thompson Holley

Ruby Jean Thompson Holley, 92, loving wife of the late James “Jimmie” Holley Jr., peacefully entered into her eternity at her daughter’s residence in Carrabelle FL, Friday, October 27, 2023.  The family will greet friends at James Funeral Home from 1:30 – 3:00PM, Wednesday, November 1, 2023. Funeral services to celebrate her life will follow at 3:00PM in the James Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Shane Busby and Brother Terry Holley officiating.  Interment will follow in the Mt. Horeb Baptist Church Cemetery.

 Ruby was born in Augusta on December 24, 1930, grew up in Stapleton and was a 1948 graduate of Stapleton High School, a place that held fond memories for her.  In December of that year, she embarked on a life-long journey by marrying the love of her life. Starting their family in 1951, Ruby was a homemaker and made sure their home was a safe-haven filled with love.  After her children were in high school, she worked for a few years at Thomson Company before joining M. B. Jones Oil Company, retiring after 20+ years of service.

Ruby lived a life filled with strength and resilience. Behind her soft-spoken, prim and proper, Southern lady-like exterior was a woman of determination who faced numerous trials with unwavering faith. She weathered the sudden loss of her husband in 2000, followed by the heartbreaking loss of her eldest son in 2007. Despite these heartaches, Ruby's spirit remained unbroken.

In 2010, tragedy struck once again when a devastating house fire claimed her cherished home of 55 years. Despite losing so much in that fire, Ruby found solace in the support of her loved ones and relied on her strong faith to carry her through this difficult time.

Another tragic event occurred in 2013 when Ruby experienced the unexpected loss of her youngest son in a tragic automobile accident. These successive losses would have been insurmountable for many others, but Ruby found strength and comfort from her Lord and Savior to persevere.

Throughout her life, Ruby was an active member of Mt. Horeb Baptist Church since her marriage to Jimmy in 1948. Her commitment to her faith extended beyond regular attendance as she actively participated in various church activities. For many years she taught Sunday School and lent her voice to the choir's harmonies. Ruby's dedication to sharing the love of God shone brightly throughout her life.

In addition to being a woman of great faith, Ruby had many interests that brought joy to her days. She took pleasure in tending to her yard, flowers and plants surrounding her home and found immense satisfaction in maintaining their beauty. Cooking was another favorite pastime of Ruby's in her younger years, and she took great pride in preparing delicious meals for her family and church family.

Ruby's meticulous nature extended not only to her cooking and household duties but also to her appearance. She was known for being a meticulous housekeeper, never allowing even the smallest detail to be overlooked. Her hair, in particular, was something she took great care with, ensuring that it always looked its best.

One of Ruby's cherished possessions was her photograph albums. Leafing through these albums allowed her to relive precious memories and share them with others. Additionally, Ruby had a deep admiration for angels and amassed an extensive collection over the years. Sadly, most of her angel collection was lost in the house fire.

Ruby was also preceded in death by her sons, Charles Holley and Ronald Holley; grandson, Charles "Chuck" Holley Jr.; granddaughter, Holly Butler; parents Mary Key Thompson and William D. Thompson; brothers, William Thompson Jr., David "Bud" Thompson, and Ben Thompson; and sisters, Lucille Phillips, Gladys Howard, Annabell Seago, Bertha Jay, Bess Hobbs, and Jean Burton.

Ruby leaves behind a legacy of strength and love that resonates within the hearts of all who knew her. She is survived by her daughter Brenda H. Butler (Joe); brother, John Thompson; her grandchildren, James Kitchens (Leah Moats), Mary Shannon Holley, April Holley, Rachelle Robinson, Chris Holley (Danielle), Erica Holley (Bryan Cohen), Brandon Holley, Shannon Miller Pryor (Bryan), SSG Chris Miller (Katlyn), and Sherry Lynn Miller (Alan Jones); great grandchildren, Logan Kitchens, Nathan Kitchens, Shannon Robinson, Michael Robinson, Eris Holley, Freya Holley, Kai Cohen, Brooklyn Holley, Zaiden Holley, Autumn Pryor, Aurora Pryor Amber Pryor Cameron Linton, Xander Miller, and Amelia Jones; a host of nieces, nephews, other extended family, church family and friends. Serving as pallbearers will be Mark Holley, Raymond James, Paul Kite, DeWayne Nickles, Ronald Russell and David Thompson.

The family extends their most sincere appreciation and thanks to her caregivers, Darlene Arrington and Cheryl Wray, who dedicated themselves to her well-being and care. Ruby loved them and considered them part of her family.

Because of the love she had for her church, the family respectfully suggests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Mt. Horeb Cemetery Fund, PO Box 563, Wrens, GA 30833.

Throughout her life, Ruby touched the lives of many with her unwavering faith and steadfast love. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, let us remember her strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her family and faith. May she rest in eternal peace.