Ruby Nell Smith of Camden, Alabama passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the age of 83. She was born to her parents Sarah L. Crocker Jones and Luther T. Jones on October 3, 1940, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Ruby lived her childhood years in Thomasville, Alabama where many cherished memories were made that she loved to share.  She graduated as valedictorian from Thomasville High School in 1958 then attended the University of Alabama where she played oboe in the Million Dollar Band. After leaving Alabama she attended several night schools obtaining certifications to pursue a career in the legal secretarial field. Highlights of her career included working for Clarke County Probate Office, State Office of the Attorney General in Montgomery, and MacMillan Bloedel, Inc. in Pine Hill, as well as several local Attorneys at Law.

Ruby married her husband, Glen, on March 24th of 1979 in Grove Hill, Alabama.  She and Glen served in churches in Alabama and Florida where she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She also served in various leadership positions including Director of the WMU in both Alabama and Florida, Trainer for North American Mission Board, and as the Literacy Missions Consultant with The Florida Baptist Convention.

In 2005, Ruby and Glen moved to Camden, Alabama where they built their own home. They enjoyed spending time together on woodworking and furniture projects. She loved to sew, paint, and write short stories and poetry. Ruby loved music and enjoyed singing in the choir. She could hear a melody in her head and would be glad to share it with those around her.  Each of her grandchildren have fond memories of the time she spent with them teaching them to fish, paint, and love the Lord.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Gullett's Bluff Baptist Church with Reverend Reid Nettles officiating and Dunklin Funeral Home directing.  Burial will follow in Reaves Chapel Cemetery.  The family will receive friends for visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. until service time.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents and husband as well as her stepfather, William (Bill) Scarbrough and brothers, Leon and Carroll Scarbrough.

She is survived by her son, Don Lauderdale (Sandy); daughter, Sondra Hulette (Randy); grandchildren: Vinson Gwin (Jennifer), John Gwin (Meaghan), Tiffany Gwin (Chris), Drake Lauderdale and Tom Lauderdale; great grandchildren: Austin Gwin, Anna Howard, Aidan Gwin, Jackson Gwin, Wyatt Gwin and Madelyn Gwin; her sister, Betty Kay Wood (Rex). She also leaves several beloved nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Tad Detlefson, Austin Gwin, Randy Hulette, Drake Lauderdale, Tom Lauderdale, Chris Martin and John Wood.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Alabama Baptist or Florida Baptist Board of Missions.