Ruby Barnes Holt

Ruby Mae (Barnes) Holt was born February 23, 1930 to Lewis M Barnes and Lena Hinnant Barnes in Smithfield, NC. Ruby dedicated her life to her family, her faith and her community.

Ruby was a dedicated wife to Robert Louis Holt for 64 years, she was a loving mother to Teresa Kay and Bobbie Lou, and a cherished grandmother to her grandchildren Jay, Andrew and Laura. Her family will have many fond memories of the times they spent with her. Her grandchildren will hold fond memories of late nights baking sugar cookies, sitting on the deck at the beach and laughing over memories of the past. Her extended family will remember her as “Aunt Ruby” and her annual Christmas gatherings.

Ruby had a strong commitment to her community. After graduating from Wilson Mills School in 1948, she worked as a dental hygienist, bookkeeper and retired from the Johnston County Department of Social Services where she was dedicated to helping those in need. Upon retirement she further served her community as a substitute teacher for various local schools. She also worked dutifully as a volunteer with the Board of Elections helping at the polls each Election Day. From 1971 – 1973 she served on the Board of Trustees at Johnston Technical Institute by appointment of the Governor.

Faith was always a central and guiding light in her life like that of her husband. She served Sharon Baptist Church in West Smithfield as a member of their choir, Sunday school teacher and on various committees. In later years, she became a member and supporter of the First Baptist Church in Smithfield, NC.

Ruby passed on to be with her heavenly father on Tuesday, September 2, 2014 at WakeMed in Cary, NC.

She is survived by daughters Teresa Moore (Jerry) of Cary, NC and Bobbie Williams (Ross) of Garner, NC; grandchildren Jay Moore of Cary, NC, Andrew Williams (Miranda) of Roanoke, VA and Laura Williams of Raleigh, NC. She is preceded in death by her parents Lewis M Barnes and Lena Hinnant Barnes; her husband Robert Louis Holt; and siblings Melvin Barnes, Wilmond Barnes, Linwood Barnes and Barbara Woodall.

The family will hold a visitation followed by the funeral service on Saturday, September 6, 2014 in the afternoon at Parrish's Funeral Home, 1351 South Pollock St. Selma, NC 27576. The burial will take place afterwards at Sunset Memorial Park on Business 70 in Smithfield, NC.

Donations to the American Lung Association in memory of Ruby Holt are greatly welcomed by the family. Donations can be mailed to: American Lung Association National Office, 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60601 or online donations can be made at www.lung.org/donate/

This story was originally published September 4, 2014 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Ruby Barnes Holt."