Heaven gained a new angel on September 6, 2025, as Ruby Mae Smith, 93, of Mendenhall, MS, formerly of Pearl, MS, was reunited with her loved ones who passed before her. Ruby was surrounded by the family she so dearly loved when she entered heaven's gates.
Ruby was born in Tallahatchie County, MS, on September 25, 1931, to Mr. Clyde Bufford Tennyson and Mrs. Ruby Ellett Tennyson.
A woman of unwavering faith and boundless love, Ruby was a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and friend. Her passing leaves a profound void in the lives of those who loved her, but we find comfort in knowing she is at peace.
Ruby’s life was a testament to the power of a joyful spirit. Her infectious smile was a constant reminder that she was watching and present, and she had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel seen and loved. Family was everything to Ruby, and she made sure every gathering was a celebration. She was most often found at the center of it all, sharing stories and creating memories. Mrs. Ruby loved talking – living life.
No family gathering was complete without her famous giblet gravy, a dish she lovingly prepared for every holiday and special occasion. It was more than just a recipe; it was a symbol of her devotion and the way she nourished us all, body and soul. Ruby’s memory will live on in our shared stories, her cherished recipes, and the boundless love she gave us all. She loved her family.
In addition to her role as a beloved matriarch, Ruby was a dedicated and familiar face in our community. Ruby was a devoted and diligent secretary to the Head Director of Student Nursing for years at Whitfield and executive secretary of Dr. Robert Ritter. Her professional life was a testament to her caring nature, where her warmth and compassion put countless patients at ease. She later brought her friendly smile and kind demeanor to T&D Furniture, where she made every customer feel like family. For Ruby, her work was more than just a job; it was another way for her to connect with people and spread her light.
Mrs. Smith is preceded in death by her parents, stepfather Mr. L. B. Harrison; daughter, Diane Davis; and grandsons, Richard Coleman Mayberry and Justin Bradley Lewis.
She leaves behind to carry on her legacy sons, Lloyd C. Smith, Jr. (Lynn) and Robert C. Smith; grandchildren, Renee Mayberry, Paul Davis, Blake Lewis, Stephanie Wilkinson (Roger), Bryan Lewis (Tara), Spencer Smith, Abby Mayo (Jeremy), and Cole Smith (Jenny); great-grandchildren, Victoria Ashley (Jonathan), Brice Patricio, Abigail Davis, Gregory Davis, Tryniti Davis, Cade Lewis, Hayes Roberts, Noah Voigt, Stormie Mayo, Landon Mayo, Dawson Mayo and Stevie Smith; great-great grandchildren, Ainsley Ashley, Hartley Ashley, and Loralei Mayberry.
The family will receive friends from 12:00pm-2:00pm on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl, MS. A memorial service will follow at the funeral home. Interment will be at Floral Hills Memory Gardens in Pearl, MS.
Serving as pallbearers will be Cole Smith, Austin Mayberry, Blake Lewis, Bryan Lewis, David Mayberry, and Jeremy Mayo.
