Ruby Everett Awill

Ruby May Everett Awill was born on July 26, 1922 in La Ceiba, Honduras, Central America. She was the oldest daughter of the late Oritt and Hilda Everett. She departed this life on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at Ochsner Hospital, New Orleans Louisiana.

In May of 1950, Ruby married Norman Awill, Sr. in La Ceiba, Honduras. They had three sons, Norman, Jr., Jose' and Alan. Norman Sr. worked in Honduras as a longshoreman. He wanted a more secure life for himself and his family, and came to the United States in the early ‘60’s. He settled in New Orleans, and in 1964 brought Ruby and their three sons to join him in the Crescent City.

Norman Awill, Sr. died in 1985. He and Ruby were married for 35 years at the time of his passing. After the death of her husband, Ruby worked in housekeeping at the Fairmont Hotel in New Orleans for many years. After retirement, she took on the responsibility of caring for her mother Hilda Everett, with support from her siblings and sons. Her mother Hilda passed away peacefully in 2000 at the age of 100.

When Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, Ruby was visiting Norman, Jr., and his wife Bobbie, in Oakland California. She was unable to return to her heavily damaged home. In January 2007, Ruby finally returned to New Orleans to live with her son Jose' and his wife, Mary Skehan Awill. Jose’ and Mary took care of Ruby’s every need until her death, with love and support from her sons Norman Jr. and Alan, and their immediate families.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, Oritt and Hilda Everett, brothers Alex, Oritt Jr., Adolph, and Stephen Everett. She was also predeceased by her son Norman Awill, Jr. who died in 2023. She is survived by her sons, Jose (Mary) and Alan, her daughter-in-law Bobbie Camacho Awill, grandsons Matthew Awill, Bryant Awill (Deleon), Justin Awill and great granddaughter DenaLynn Marie Awill. Ruby is also survived by brothers Ira and Raul Everett (America), her sister Mavis Hicks, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

The family would like to acknowledge, with prayerful gratitude, the staffs at Ochsner Hospital and St. Luke's Episcopal Church, and all who lifted us up in prayer. Your acts of kindness have buoyed us through this very difficult period.

We have loved and lost someone very special in our lives. We ask that you please continue to pray for our family, and hold Ruby's memory in your hearts. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated and will always be remembered. We now have one more angel to watch over us.

A memorial service will be held for Ruby on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 1222 North Dorgenois Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119. A livestream of the service will be available to be seen on https://www.facebook.com/HistoricSaintLukesEpiscopal.

With love, the Awill and Everett families.