Ruby Guynn O'Steen

Ruby Guynn O’Steen was born in Jacksonville on June 17th, 1928, the daughter of Allie Geiger and George W. Guynn. She spent 96 years of life as a faithful follower of Christ, loving wife, and a devoted mother. She attended Robert E. Lee High School and then began working for Southern Bell Telephone company. Ruby was 14 when she met the love of her life, Harold O’Steen. They became television stars, if only briefly, when they were married in 1951 on the CBS show, “Bride and Groom” in New York City. Ruby helped support Harold's many business adventures throughout her life while raising their three children, Pam, Hal, and Mark. Ruby was a passionate lover of fashion and jewelry, always expressing her creativity and unique sense of style through every outfit and accessory. Her radiant spirit and eye for beauty were reflected in everything she did. Whether helping others feel confident in their own skin or adding a sparkle to every room she entered, Ruby had a gift for bringing joy and elegance to those around her.

Ruby was given the name “Buggie” by her family. The name became so popular everyone started calling her “Buggie” and that's what she became known as, which she adored. Ruby was a member of University Baptist Church for 50 years, she then joined First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach. The remarkable legacy of Ruby “Buggie” was family. Having been preceded in death by her loving husband Harold, sisters Inez Simms (Ben), Betty Danson (Gene), and Lauvern Bishop (Ray). She is survived by her loving and devoted children; her daughter, Pamela O’Steen Simmons (Steve); Harold Sylvester O’Steen Jr., (Susan); and Mark Howard O’Steen (Lisa). She has five grandchildren: Andrea Simmons Rowland; Ashley Simmons McCrary (Mac); Whitney O’Steen Loehr (Gerald); Mark Howard O’Steen Jr., (Megan); and Cody Pierce O’Steen (Erin). Her great-grandchildren are Ashlyn Rowland Miller (Shawn); Annabelle Miller Rowland; Mason Caroline McCrary; John William McCrary; Georgia Grey Loehr; Emery Guynn Loehr; Collins Lee O’Steen; and Eleanor Pierce O’Steen. She also leaves behind a great-great-grandson, Liam Michael Miller. Also surviving are many loved nieces and nephews. Serving as pallbearers are Mark “Chip” O’Steen, Jr.; Cody O’Steen; Mac McCrary; John William McCrary; Gerald Loehr; and Shawn Miller. Honorary pallbearers are Ashlyn Miller; Annabelle Rowland; Mason McCrary; Georgia Loehr; Emery Loehr; Collins O’Steen; Eleanor O’Steen; and Liam Miller.

We would be remiss not to express our heartfelt gratitude to the UF Health doctors and caregivers, Velecia “Peaches” Bellamy, Maxine Russell, Sylvia Hilton, and Emari Mathis who became an integral part of our family. Their compassionate care and unwavering support allowed Buggie to spend her final years at home. Along with her dear friend and hairdresser, Dollie, who was a steadfast presence in her life for over 50 years, helping her maintain her beauty both inside and out.

A service will be held in Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, Legacy Lodge on Monday, April 7, 2025. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. with the service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Oaklawn

Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the following: UF Health General Fund, care of Anna Harper, 653 W 8th Street Jacksonville FL 32209, or First Baptist Church of Fernandina, 1600 8th Street, Fernandina Beach FL 32034.