Ruby Elizabeth Oakley

She was born September 13, 1927 in Stem, North Carolina to the late Erwin Tilley and Barbara Goss Tilley.

She is preceded in death by her husband LeRoy Oakley Jr. Ruby, beloved mother, sister, and grandmother, is survived by her children, LeRoy Oakley, III, and wife, Cheryl , of Wilmington , N.C. ; Bobby Dale Oakley  and wife Tracy, of Greensboro, N.C.; brother Thelbert Tilley and wife Janet, of Rougemont ,N.C. ; sister Joyce Tilley Atkins of Hillsborough, NC. ; brother Ray Tilley and wife, Belinda, of Durham, NC; grandchildren, Jessica Robbins and husband Allen, Maggie Watters and husband Todd, and Kevin Oakley; great-grandchildren, Spencer Robbins and Carter Robbins, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Ruby is preceded in death by her brother, Junior Irvin Tilley, and sister, Edith Tilley Jordan.

Ruby worked for the NC State Highway Patrol for 20 years. She was an avid reader, traveler, and active in the Democratic Women and ABWA. She was awarded Woman of the Year by the ABWA, and also received the NC State Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Robert Scott.

Ruby was well known for her love of learning, and promotion of education. She was diminutive, but feisty and, above all a lover of family. 

 Visitation will be at 10:00 am, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am on Friday, September 28, at the Andrews Valley Chapel. Committal at Oleander Memorial Gardens will follow.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or Wounded Warriors.