Ruby Fay Bell

Mrs. Ruby Fay Bell, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at home in Brandon, MS.

She was born October 10th, 1933, in Newton, MS to Norris Burnett Vance and Ruth Gladys Milling, and was raised there in the old Union Community.

In all her life she demonstrated a profound love of others, a deep and abiding goodness of character, and a reverence for family, faith, and friends which she had in abundance. Her virtues are the finest testament to her memory.

As a young woman she made the journey to the big city of Jackson and while living there on Capitol street with her girlfriends met the love of her life, her husband John Ellis “Buddy” Bell. They were married May 9th, 1964 and loved one another through 40 years of marriage. Together they brought three children into the world and their loving home.

Ruby brought up her children with all the love and care in the world. She took care of people. She loved her sisters. She loved and cherished her husband. She adored and doted over all children, but most especially her grandson, and all the grandchildren of her sisters. She loved them as though they were her own. Through her whole life Ruby treated others well and is remembered fondly for the love she gave.

Ruby also possessed astounding strength and tenacity.  She was a three-time cancer survivor with full recovery. She was brave and fought every single battle she ever had with dignity and poise until the very end.

Ruby led a fulfilling career that spanned multiple decades. She worked for Bellsouth telephone for many years, then moving to McRae's, where she continued to contribute her valuable skills until she very deservedly retired and got to rest and enjoy the fruits of her labor from her long and prosperous career. Her strong work ethic and commitment to excellence were evident in all aspects of her life.

Ruby was known for her dedication to public service. She volunteered extensively within her community, working diligently with the Census Bureau, elections, and the Telephone pioneers of America. Her involvement in these initiatives showcased her deep commitment to shaping a better future for those around her.

Traveling brought Ruby great joy and fulfillment. She traveled extensively with Buddy, her parents, her sisters, and her friends all across the country.

 In later life she had the opportunity to explore different parts of the country alongside her church community on trips to Branson, or with her sister to Gatlinburg. She loved playing dominoes.

Faith played a central role in Ruby's life, and she lived it out day to day in devotion. She bore the fruit of the spirit by her actions. Formerly Ruby was a member of Capital City Church of God and later of Truitt Baptist Church in Pearl, MS. She found solace and strength through her connection with God and fellowship with other believers especially through her Sunday school class which she was very involved in.

Ruby was predeceased by her parents, her husband Buddy Bell, and her infant daughter Annette Bell, who she is now with again in Glory.

Surviving her are her children: Mr. Damon Vance Bell of Charlotte, NC. Dr. Geoffrey Bennett Bell of Crescent Springs, KY.  Grandson: William Stanton Bell, of Charlotte, NC. Sisters:  Mrs. Virginia Day Wallace of Pearl, and Mrs. Gladys Burnette Williams of Union.

Ruby is at peace now, she is at home, and she is whole and happy again. Let us all who love her rejoice at that great truth, and remember the love she shared with us, and live that out every day in her memory. We give thanks that she lived such a good life, and we were blessed with her presence for as long as we were, and we remember her.

She will always be with us.

Now Ruby has been reunited in her heavenly home with her loved ones who went on before and with her Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Her family takes solace in His words.

“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though they die, yet shall they live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.”

Visitation will be Wednesday, November 8, 2023, from 2:00pm until 5:00pm at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon and again on Thursday from 10:00am until 11:00am at the church. A Celebration of Ruby’s Life will be Thursday, November 9, 2023, at 11:00am at Truitt Baptist Church. Burial will follow at 2:00pm at Lucern Church of God Cemetery in Conehatta, MS. Pallbearers will be William Bell, Gavin Williams, Kyle Greer, Wesley Dig, Roland Sills, and Jerry Powell.