Ruby L. Kirksey

I HAVE FOUGHT A GOOD FIGHT, I HAVE FINISHED MY COURSE, AND I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH. 2 Timothy 4:7

Our beloved Ruby Louise (Ross) Kirksey, a precious jewel, was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 22, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Laurel, Mississippi on November 22, 1938, to Marshall L. Ross and Rose (Robinson) Ross. She moved to Canton, Ohio at the age of sixteen and lived with her Aunt Bill and two sisters. She attended McKinley High School. She later obtained her GED with honors and graduated from Rafael Business College with honors. On June 15, 1958, Ruby and Adell Kirksey united in marriage. She retired from Dalton Clothing Factory in 1982. She was also an employee at JC Penny. She loved God and attended Church all her life. Ruby attended Bethel Apostolic Church, later named Greater Bethel Apostolic Church and was baptized by the late Elder Robert McMurray. She served as president of the Women's Auxiliary. She has read through the entire bible twice. Greater Bethel awarded her the 1987 Women's Day Leadership Award. In 2017, Greater Bethel awarded her the GBACCWA award. She loved traveling, playing games with her family, fishing, gospel singing, family gatherings, walking, home cooked meals, a clean house and neat yard, learning new things, and helping others. Ruby was recognized for not missing any family reunions until her health didn't permit her to travel. She always enjoyed spending time with her sisters and brothers. She was an outstanding cook, preparing, absolutely, delicious dinners with love. Her commitment to preparing the finest holiday feasts will be greatly missed. Concerning working inside or outside the house, she always did her part. She was good in every role in life as a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Her love was so great for her family, but it goes even beyond that, she was such a giver on birthdays, holidays, funerals and showed so much love for others. She loved children and would interact with them one on one; and she always brought out the best in them. She loved flowers and would order beautiful floral arrangements that would bring joy to many in their times of celebration or sadness. Cancer devastated her body, but during her two-year battle she never complained; and always did her best to push through despite many setbacks. From the beginning, until the very end, she maintained her mind, dignity, spirit and love for God. At eighty-six years old, she gave us her last lesson of how to overcome. May God keep her until we meet again. Ruby was preceded in death by her mother, Rose Bell (Robinson} Ross; her father, Marshall L. Ross; and her brother, Earl P. Ross. She leaves to cherish in her memory, her husband of 66 years, Adell Kirksey; her son, Tyrone Kirksey; her daughter, Sheila L Kirksey; grandchildren, Benjamin and Michael Kirksey; great-grandchildren, Makenzie Kirksey and Makayla Kirksey; five brothers: Mr. Marshall Ross of Chicago, IL, Mr. George Ross of Akron, OH, Mr. Ronnie Brunson of Laurel, MS, Mr. Johnny (Stella) Brunson and Mr. Jerry Brunson, both of Laurel, MS; eight sisters, Mrs. Rose Helen Keys and Mrs. Mary Ann Kirksey both of Canton, OH, Mrs. Doris J. (Dave) Cross of N. Canton, OH, Mrs. Deloris A. Eldridge of Birmingham, AL, Mrs. Vera (Chester} Ross, Ms. Connie Brunson, Ms. Bonnie Brunson and Ms. Sandy Brunson, all of Laurel, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.