Ruby Lee Roberts

Ruby Lee Roberts was born on January 13, 1937, to the late Willie George and Priscilla Thomas. Affectionately known as “Big Ma,” Ruby was the heart and foundation of her family. She loved deeply and lived joyfully, creating a home filled with warmth, laughter, and the aroma of her delicious cooking. Sharing her home and her meals brought her great joy, and everyone who entered her kitchen knew they were welcome and loved.

Ruby’s spiritual journey began at Davis Hill at an early age. As her faith grew, she later joined Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Morris Hillsman, Sr. In time, she moved her membership to Greater Union Baptist Church in Perry, Georgia, where she served faithfully on the Usher Board until her health began to decline. Her steadfast faith and dedication to serving God were evident in all that she did.

She was a devoted and hardworking woman who spent many years employed at Bassett Furniture in Macon, Georgia, where she worked diligently until her well-earned retirement.

Ruby was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Carolyn Williams, sons: Calvin Williams and Willie Frank Williams; her sisters, Betty Collier and Jessie Mae Jackson; and her brothers, John Thomas, George Thomas, and Jessie Thomas; grandson, Willie Frank Williams, Jr.

She leaves behind a legacy of abundant love, faith, and cherished memories to those who will forever hold her close in their hearts: her loving husband, Leroy Roberts of Claxton, GA; sons, Ronnie (Dita) Williams and Ernest (Patricia) Roberts, both of Warner Robins, GA; daughters-in-law, Annie Williams of Roberta, GA, and Angela Roberts of Perry, GA.

Her memory will also be lovingly cherished by her grandchildren: Tanisha (Michael) Mayo of Jacksonville, FL; Ronnie (L’Quita) Williams, Jr of Warner Robins, GA; Rontavious Williams and Deonta Williams of Fort Valley, GA; LaTosha Wootson and Micki Williams of Roberta, GA; Tanika Wright, Carolyn Williams, and Betty Williams, all of Fort Valley, GA; Veronica (Terry) Adams of Perry, GA; Maurice Dennis of New York; Misty (Armad, Sr.) Gordon, Kasey Roberts, and Alex Roberts, all of Perry, GA; Ernest Roberts IV and Catrell Roberts, both of Warner Robins, GA; she also leaves behind other devoted nieces and nephews, forty-four great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a host of loving family members and dear friends.

Ruby’s life was one of grace, generosity, and unshakable faith. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of love will continue to live on through all those whose lives she touched.