Ruby Mai Schoonover

"Miss Ruby" Mai Schoonover went to be with her Lord Jesus on May 12, 2013.

She was born in Gibson County on May 17, 1930 to Albert and Birdie Mai Wilkerson Schoonover. She was preceded in death by one sister, Wilma Lois Maners and five brothers, Danny Lynn Schoonover, Houston Monroe Schoonover, Albert Harvel Schoonover, Harry Lewis Schoonover, and Billy Frank Schoonover.

She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Jackson, TN for 63 years. She was very active in WMU and other ministries of the church. She served on several pastoral search committees and loved every pastor she had. She was known as a great "prayer warrior," and all that knew her never hesitated to ask her to lift concerns to the Lord, because they knew they would be heard.

She was also president and an active member of Credit Women International for 35 years.

The accomplishment that Miss Ruby was most proud of was her employment at The Jackson Clinic. She began her career at the clinic when it opened its doors in 1950, and she served in many capacities. She served as a file clerk, medical secretary, credit clerk, insurance supervisor, physician's secretary, reception supervisor, administrative assistant, and physician liaison. Although she had intended to become a missionary when she completed her training at West Tennessee Business College, her employment at The Jackson Clinic gave her the opportunity to service in a mission field closer to home. Many lives have been touched by her "mission" work. It's been said that more prayer sessions were held behind the closed door of her office than anyone will ever know.

She worked at The Jackson Clinic until May 1, 2009 when she finally retired after 58 ½ years of service. Although Miss Ruby never had children of her own, she considered herself a mother to the many physicians and staff members with whom she worked.

Miss Ruby is survived by her sister, Cheryl Ann (Lynn) Nanney of Pinson, TN, and many nieces and nephews: Jimmy Schoonover, Lujuana DeBerry, Robert Lewis Schoonover, Barbara Davidson, Rhondie Schoonover, Brenda Schoonover, Jackie Courtney, Judy Clark, Benny Maners, Teresa Trull, Amy Griffin, Anita Moss, Cynthia Velosca, Shelia Ditiler, and Robbin Reynoso.

While her Lord was her first priority, Ruby took care of all of her other family members as if they were all her children, and there is no doubt regarding the love she had for each of them. She will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 in the First Baptist Church of Jackson at 2 p.m. A visitation with the family will be conducted at the church on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 from 4-8 p.m. and will continue on Wednesday from noon until service time. Burial will follow at Concord Cemetery.