Ruby L. Moore

'Banty'

Ruby Moore, last in line of her immediate family, began her journey in life on May 7, 1916 and joined her heavenly father on Friday, January 21, 2011 at the grand age of 94 years. She was born in Charlotte where she lived for most of her life.

Visitation for friends and family will be on Friday, January 28, 2011 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm at McEwen Funeral service Charlotte Chapel (at Sharon Memorial Park), 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28212. The service will be held immediately after visitation at 2:00 pm and interment will follow at Sharon Memorial Park where she will be laid to rest next to her late husband Jack S. Smith.

She was preceded in death by her father David Selkirk Lowder (d 1953), mother Janie Faires Lowder (d 1918), brother Harry Lowder (Ethel), sisters Louise DeSousa (John), Bertha McIntosh, first husband Jack Sherman Smith (d 1945), second husband Ernest Linley Moore 'Pop'" (d 1959), step-daughters Virginia Herman (Charles), Gladys Hall (Garwood), her third child Michael Winslow Smith, Sr. (d 2009) and her son's second wife Daphne Johnson Smith (d 1993). She is survived by three children: Loretta Bacot, David H. Smith and Nancy Simpson (Milton) of Monroe and daughter-in-law Joan Smith Bates.

Her grandchildren are: Marcia Rushing, Denise Moore, Regina Lewis, Robin Crenshaw (Rocky), Michael W. Smith, Jr., Jack E. Smith, Sr. (Carrie), Tonya Honeycutt (Richard), Simone Smith, Devin Smith (Brittany), Heather Birmingham (Shea) and Christopher Simpson; Step-grandchildren are:Rene Pittman (Mike), Kyle Johnson (Cherry) and Anita Johnson.

Her great-grandchildren are: Tracy Rushing, Jesse Holar, Anna Hill (Eric), William Hill, Brandy McDonald (Tim), Jack E. Smith, Jr., Joseph Smith (Sarah), Sandra Smith, Tony Ellis, Cody Honeycutt, Danielle Smith, Colbie and Emma Smith (twins), Bryson Birmingham and Hunter Birmingham, step-great-grandchildren, are: Brittany Johnson, Cassidy Johnson, Kasie Britt, Josh Fischer, Shawn Pittman and Shannon Thomas (Josh). Her great great grandchildren are: Nathaniel Ellis, Skyler Ellis, Ruby Hollar, Cameron Ross, Olivia Hill, Elijah McDonald, Alexis McDonald and Abigail Smith; and step-great-great-grandchildren are: Jayden Britt, Marcus Britt, and Jaylyn Thomas.

During her journey through life she lost her mother at the age of two in the flu epidemic of 1918; was at Alexander Children's Home from 5-12 years old; went to live with her sister and had to quit school at Central High School in the eleventh grade to go to work to help support her family during the Great Depression; in her fifties she earned her high school diploma in night school; married in 1934 and had 4 children; worked at the Shell Plant in Charlotte during World War II, worked for Southern Bell in Charlotte as a long-distance operator, service assistant and test-desk technician from 1946-1981 where she retired. She was an active member of Communication Workers of America (CWA) for retired telephone personnel. Her travels took her to the Holy Lands, parts of Europe, Hawaii and Brazil. On two different years, she and her son, David, traveled in a pop-up trailer and visited 48 states. She always wanted to see Alaska but it was just not to be.

She was very active with her church activities by singing in the choir and Sunday school teacher at Seigle Avenue Presbyterian Church, choir member and cub scout leader at Plaza Presbyterian Church and an active member at Northside Baptist where she sang in the choir along with other 'Jolly Sixties' activities.

We would like to express our most heartfelt gratitude to Betty Starnes (Bill) for the faithful daily encouragement and prayers over the past three-plus years. We would also like to thank family members, people she worked with at Southern Bell and members of Northside Baptist Church who brought her joy and comfort when they visited, phoned and sent cards. Also to Advance Home Health Care staff during the years she was with them and to the Presbyterian Hospice staff for her care during the last days of her life.

If you wish, in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in name of Ruby Moore to Northside Baptist Church, 333 Jeremiah Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28262 or because she contributed to many worthwhile charities over the years, you may want to make a donation to any charity you wish.

Condolences may be sent to: www.mcewenfs.com.