Ruby B. Thomas

Ruby B. Thomas went home to God’s Heavenly Kingdom on Thursday, July 24, 2014 at the age of 82. She was born, one of twelve children in DeFuniak Springs, Florida on February 17, 1932. She worked hard to support her children and her family through rough times and good times. She played many roles throughout her life. She was a loving daughter to the late Leonard Gabe Johnson and Daisy Viola Kennedy Johnson. A devoted wife to the late Lemmie Thomas whom she married in 1954. A wonderful mother to her three children, Antonio, Katherine and Stefanie, who were the pride and joy of her life. Ruby raised her family and worked at Foodtown in New Jersey. She retired after twenty-five years of service. She retired back to her roots and her beloved home town of DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Ruby was undeniably a woman of passion, love and commitment. Her passion for God and family shone brightly through her eyes. She had a love for cooking and the belief that a strong family begins at the dinner table. She was known for her impeccable taste, a keen eye for antiques and was a true “Fashionista”. She took pride in her home and almost every piece that she owned had a history. She also had a love for gardening. Ruby had more than a green thumb, she had a green hand and arm. She had a beautiful garden of fruits and veggies and her favorite…roses. Ruby raised her family to be strong willed, independent, caring, compassionate and instilled strong family values. She raised us to love God and each other as He loves us. She represented wisdom and strength. It was her who reminded us of our obligations and our goals. Ruby was a member of Union Springs Baptist as a beloved Mother of the Church. She took her commitment to the Lord very seriously and stood firm and clear in her beliefs. Now, with joy, she has gone home to be with her Heavenly Father, our Lord forever.

Ruby is survived by her two brothers, Hillard Johnson of Columbus, Georgia and John Johnson of Oakland, California; her two daughters, Katherine Thomas and Stefanie Mathis; her son-in-law Phillip Mathis; her grandchildren, Erica Scott, Sherell Thomas, David Thomas, Ruby Thomas and Deja Mathis; her grandson-in-law Michael Scott; her great grandchildren, Latayah, David-Justin, Michael, Olivia and a newborn great grandchild who will soon bless us with his appearance. She had an abundance of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, sisters and brothers-in-,law, other relatives and friends. She is loved by so many and has left us with a legacy that God would be proud of. Ruby is saying to all of us “Please do not mourn for me. I am in God’s heavenly place where you all want to be”. She is now able to hear those words that she has long wanted to hear, “well done, good and faithful servant”.

Floral arrangements are being accepted. Pallbearers will be David Thomas, Murry Johnson, Philip Martin, Shawn Potter, Phillip Johnson and Michael Scott. A time of visitation will be Wednesday, July 30, 2014 from six until eight in the evening in Union Springs Baptist Church, 416 Railroad Street, DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 31, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. in Union Springs Baptist Church with Reverend Anthony M. Johnson officiating. Private family interment will be in the Johnson/Thomas Family Plot in Magnolia Cemetery.