Ruby Nell Gray

Ruby Nell Gray was born February 27, 1943 to Matthew and Willie Mae Brown of Centerville, Tennessee. She attended O.H. Bernard, graduating in 1961. Shortly after graduation she moved to Florida for work. It was there where she met Ernesto I. Ramos Jr. and formed a relationship. The two of them moved around with Ernesto's job, settling down in Jamaica, Queens N.Y. From their union, 3 children were born: Ernesto III, Carlos and Maria. In 1978, Ruby, along with her children relocated to Centerville, TN to care for her ailing mother and to start her life anew. Times weren't always the best but she made it through with the grace of God, family and loving friends. Some of whom have departed the earth and some are still here. It was during this time that her innate gifts of being a great listener and benevolence provider started to show; and being the voice of reason through neutrality helped many family members and friends. One of Ruby's favorite sayings was, “I will love anyone who will let me”, and it was constantly on display. On every holiday and special event Ruby's house turned into “Cafe Ruby” feeding everyone from relatives, friends, and strangers alike. You could always depend on her to give love and assistance whenever and wherever it was needed, and because of that no one could ever say that she didn't put God 1st, others 2nd and herself last. How can one forget her smiling face, amongst her loved ones in the kitchen, always showing everyone a good time, singing and dancing to her favorite R&B singers Al Green and Tyrone Davis...Only “if we could turn back the hands of time” and receive a little more “love and happiness” from her! Ruby had a mate whom she later married, Ray Gray. Their dynamics were very complementary of each other; and they were great friends and companions, leaning on each other and making each other happy. Despite being grief stricken with the loss of her only daughter, a granddaughter and husband, Ruby remained strong, intensified her faith in God, urged her sons to be a man amongst men and above all, she never complained. Ruby worshiped at the Mt. Zion AME Church on Columbia Avenue in Centerville, Tn. This is where she enhanced her love for God. Ruby was called home to see her loved ones that she so greatly missed on March 2, 2014. Preceding her were her parents, husband Ray Gray, Daughter Rubye Maria Ramos, granddaughter Shanel Renee Ramos, Brother Fred Brown, sisters Geneva Roberson, Louise Perkins, Ophelia Fraizer, and Edmonia Woolridge. Her survivors are sons Ernesto I. Ramos III and Carlos J. Ramos, grandchildren Ernesto I Ramos IV, Juan M. Ramos, Maria I. Ramos, Carlos Ramos and Tatiana Ray, sisters June Walker and Carolyn Johnson, 22 nieces and nephews and cherished and devoted friends: Roxie McClain Gooch, Frankye Ward, Ella Scruggs, Joyce Boyd, Mary An Ramos of Missouri, Maggie Pigg, The Lena Wilson Family of New York and Ruby Gordon.

Ruby Nell Gray

February 27, 1943 - March 2, 2014