Ruth Gibson Lee was called home on June 22, 2018, at the age of 93. Her gentle spirit and good-natured personality were matched with a deep love for her friends and family—including her numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who knew her as “Meme.” She will be deeply missed by those who called her mother, grandmother, Meme, and friend.
She entered this world on March 12, 1925 in New Hebron, MS as Ruth Lavon Gibson. She was the youngest of seven children born to John and Mary Elizabeth Gibson. Along with her three older brothers and three older sisters, Ruth lived in a house built by her father and grandfather. She has many fond memories growing up in New Hebron, including helping in the vegetable garden, making paper dolls from old magazines and catalogs, playing with the fish pond in her front yard, attending New Hebron Methodist Church, and visiting her father’s store. In her late teenage years, Ruth began dating Robert Earl Lee, who was enlisted in World War II. After the war, the two married and lived in Florida briefly before moving to Jackson and then settling down in Florence, MS for many years until the death of Robert Earl in 1995. Since then, Ruth has lived near her children in Madison, MS.
Since she moved to Madison more than 20 years ago, Ruth has been an active member of St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church. Through her years in the church, she recognized her sin and her need for a Savior. She found forgiveness and grace at the foot of the cross through Jesus Christ, and looked forward to eternity with God in heaven. Ruth had a deep love for her church community, and was truly grateful for the care, love, and support that she received from the Older Adults Ministry of St. Matthews in her later years.
Ruth is survived by her two children, Robert Larry Lee (Deborah) and Deborah Lee Reves (Clyde); 5 grandchildren, Laura Reves Fuqua (Jeremy), Kristen Lee Owens (Zack), Danielle Lee Condie (Zac), Matthew Walter Reves, and Robert Eric Lee; 7 great-grandchildren, Alex, Ava, Selah, Jackson, Caleb, Ellis, and Ruth, her namesake. She is also survived by her sister, Carolyn Little, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband, Robert Earl Lee.
Ruth loved nothing more than spending time with her family, and her home was full of pictures of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She also loved to read and do crossword puzzles, and never missed an opportunity to eat ice cream custard or caramel cake. She enjoyed flowers and spending time on her front porch, soaking in God’s beautiful creation. She will be greatly missed, but not forgotten. Her family mourns her passing but celebrates her renewed life in Christ.
Visitation for Ruth will be held Sunday, June 24, 2018 at St. Matthews United Methodist Church from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with funeral services beginning at 3:00. A private graveside service will be held Monday, June 25, 2018 at Lakewood Memorial Park.
In memory of Ruth, donations may be made to the Older Adults Ministry of St. Matthews Church, or towards the adoption fund supporting Ruth’s new granddaughter - Ruthie Owens (donations can be made through Little Blessings Foster and Adoptive Family Support (https://www.littleblessingsadoptionsupport.org). When you are given an option to include special instructions, please mention "Grant - Owens Adoption”).
