Ruby Jay Meeks

Ruby Jay Meeks (née Forbes), devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and a long time resident of Hampton, Virginia, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2024. Ruby was affectionately known to many as “nanny”. She was born on February 9, 1941, in Covington, Virginia, Ruby's life was a testament to love, dedication, and resilience.

In June 1962, Ruby married the love of her life, Joseph Llewelyn Meeks, in Hertford, North Carolina. Together, they built a family and a successful siding business, exemplifying partnership and perseverance. Ruby's early career at Philip Levy and the Daily Press was marked by her strong work ethic and commitment.

Ruby is preceded in death by her husband Joseph, daughter Melissa Louise Meeks, parents David AK Forbes and Edith Gertrude Forbes (Hylton), and siblings Melvin, Billy, Buddy, Shirley, Phillis, Audrey, Stanley, and Linda. Despite these losses, her legacy of love continues through her surviving siblings, Norma Signs and Nancy Edwards, and her beloved children, Sandra Ann Marshall, Karen Lynn Meeks, and Kathy Lee Meeks.

Her grandchildren, Daniel Wayne Marshall (Liz Rye), Danielle Lynn Meeks (Derrek Taylor), Joseph Marshall, William (Billy) Marshall, and Brandon Meeks, were the joys of her life. She also leaves behind her great granddaughter McKenna Marshall. Ruby treasured every moment with them, instilling the values of family and faith.

Ruby was known for her unwavering faith, infectious sense of humor, and warm, welcoming nature, touching the hearts of all who knew her. Her life was a celebration of love and hard work, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she met.

A public visitation for Ruby will be held Wednesday, December 4, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 2551 North Armistead Ave, Hampton, Virginia 23666. A visitation will occur Thursday, December 5, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. A celebration of life service will occur Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 12:00 PM, 2551 North Armistead Ave, Hampton, Virginia 23666. An interment to follow the service will occur at Parklawn Memorial Park, 2551 North Armistead Ave, Hampton, Virginia 23666.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital - a charity near & dear to Ruby’s heart.