The long journey of our beloved, Ruby Phillips Blackwell, age 78, ended when she was called home by her Heavenly Father on the morning of August 3, 2018 at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice and Palliative Care (Trellis) in Winston-Salem, NC.

Ruby was born February 23, 1940 in Newport News, Virginia to the late Cordie Graves Phillips and Eva Wilson Turner. She grew up in Yanceyville, NC where she was raised by her late uncle, Hubert and aunt, Winfred Phillips.  Ruby received her elementary education from the Caswell County public schools and graduated high school from the Caswell County Training School.  Ruby furthered her educated and earned nursing degree in September 1961 from the Kate B. Reynolds Hospital School of Nursing in Winston-Salem, NC, a portion of her study included course work in Crownville, MD and Poughkeepsie, NY.  She was employed for a total of 46 years at Kate B. Reynolds Hospital, Reynolds Memorial Hospital, and ended in retirement from Forsyth Memorial Hospital (Novant Health) as Manager of Materials Management and Sterile Processing.

During her career she received many awards and served on many professional societies.  From 1997-1998 she served as president of the North Carolina Association for Hospital Central Service Professionals and was a board member of the organization for many years.  She was also a member of the American Society of Central Service Professionals where she served on the board for 20+ years.

Ruby accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age and joined the Graves Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Yanceyville, NC.  After marriage she and her husband joined the United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, NC.  While a member of United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, Ruby was a member of the Ambassadress Ministry as well as the Deaconess Ministry, serving as its present until her health began to decline.

Ruby married her one and only sweetheart, Charles E. Blackwell, Sr. on December 23, 1961.  To this union two sons were born, Charles, Jr. "Chuch" and Cordie "Tony".

Ruby had a passion for gardening, especially flowers, as evidenced by an array of gorgeous blooms in her front lawn of their home.  She was often seen working alongside her husband in arranging the lawn for a beautiful display.  Ruby also enjoyed the art of making ceramics and cross-stitching.  She as very proud of her crafts, which are displayed throughout the home.

Most of all, Ruby's greatest love was to her family, whom she adored and loved tremendously.  She was a fabulous host and loved any opportunity to entertain and cook scrumptious meals for her family and friends.  Her Sunday meals would make you think that it was a holiday.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Cordie, and her sister, Betteye Chapman.

Her cherished memories will forever resonate in our spirits leaving an incredible mark in the hearts of her husband, Charles; her son, Chuck; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Thursday, August 9, 2018 at United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church.  Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12noon on Thursday at the Church.