Ruby Leene (Williams) Keyes, 84, of Laurel, died Sunday, December 14, 2008, after an extended illness.Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 17, at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel. Her grandson, the Reverend Wesley Keyes of Dallas will officiate, with the Reverend D. J. Benson of Salem Heights Baptist Church assisting. Her grandson-in-law, McKay Pearce, who serves as minister of music at First Baptist Church, Glendale, will provide worship in praise. Interment will follow in Hickory Grove cemetery.She was born July 26, 1924 in the Glade community in Jones County to Willie Walter and Pearlie Viola Williams.Ruby Keyes began an early career in sales with the Avon Company and later spent many years in retail sales Sears. After her tenure ended with the Sears, she owned and operated Empire Uniforms for several years. She loved working with people and never met a stranger. She retired to be a housewife, which she cherished. Ruby was deeply devoted to her family, and a loving, caring mother, and will be greatly missed by all.At a young age, she instilled the values of hard work, honesty, and integrity in her five children and they learned many valuable life lessons from this strong woman of virtue and character. But the most valuable teaching they received from their Mother, was that she taught her children to love Jesus with all of their hearts and souls and minds and to walk in the ways of the Lord. Grandchildren were taught the same values, but received a bonus round — and by their time — she had the luxury of more time to sit and listen more attentively to them and share more of life's lessons with them, even sit and play a game of dominoes, or plant flowers in the garden with them, or teach them to make Thanksgiving dressing or her homemade biscuits, or how to treasure to sounds of old classical music. Yes, Mamaw was a gem. One thing about her, you knew where she stood; nobody had to wonder what she was thinking. She didn't mind sharing her thoughts . . .We will miss you Momma. Give Daddy and Jesus a hug for us. Tell them we are ready.She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 49 years, Elton Woodham Keyes; a great-granddaughter, Madeleine Nicole Pearce; sisters, Lucille (Lou) Scrimpshire and Polly Bloodsworth; and brothers, Richard Williams, Tony Williams, and Joe Williams.She is survived by her children and their spouses: Jimmy and Billie Keyes of Pensacola, Fla., Linda Goff of Ellisville, Larry (Scoot) and Anita Keyes of Jackson, Dale and Trisha Keyes of Ellisville, and Carolyn and Ralph Shedd of Laurel.She is also survived by a host of grandchildren whom she loved dearly: Tammy ( and Paul) Hodgins of Madisonville, La., Ashley ( and George) Misleh of Pensacola, Fla., Melinda ( and Joey) Bradshaw and Melissa ( and McKay) Pearce of Ellisville, Larry Goff of Birmingham, Ala.; Karrie ( and Brent ) Perry of Jackson, Marsha ( and Patrick) Denson of Jackson, Shellie ( and Joe Talbert) of Forest, Wesley ( and Beth) Keyes of Dallas, Texas, Kelsey ( and Josh) Dennis of Brandon; Brock ( and Martha) Shedd of Collins, Brandon Shedd of Laurel, Blake Shedd of Oxford; great-grandchildren include Ryan, Grant and Ross Hodgins; Madison Misleh; William, Josh, and Annalyn Bradshaw; Caleb Pearce, Trey and Cortland Goff; Peyton, Mason and Ty Perry; Hunter and Allie Barnett; Adlyn Denson, Charlotte Tolbert, and Braden Owens.Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.Visitation will be from 5 until 8 p.m. this evening at Memory Chapel Funeral Home, which is in charge of the arrangements.

Published in the Leader Call from 12/16/2008 - 12/18/2008
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Parents suggested by Angie Smith; Find A Grave ID 47530247; [email protected]