Ruby Harper Spence surprised us all when she left this earth for a much better place. After a sudden, fast and brave journey with pancreatic cancer, it was time for her to go home to her Heavenly family, her dad, Joe, mom, Ada, younger brothers Neverson and Duck.
She leaves us her husband of 71 years, Carlton H. Spence…her childhood, across-the-street neighbor and high school sweetheart, both from South Norfolk, Va. Ruby supported Carlton’s many career moves through several states while creating loving homes for him and their three children, Jeff Spence (Darlene), Cindy Sadler McCormick and Donald Spence (Robin). Family was her world and her life and when grandkids Ryan Sadler (Rachel), Sarah Spence (Jason Weber), Ashely Spence Bruce, Logan Sadler (Kristen), Josh Spence (Sarah) and Elizabeth Calkins (Bill) came into the picture, her eyes lit up even wider and brighter blue. Add in the nine great-grands, Reagan, Riley, Nova, Rowan, Oliver, Clay, Hayden, Aniston and Rory…well, her world was complete.
Her first love was always, ALWAYS, her family. Her second love was travel. Visiting dozens of countries and exotic locales with family and friends, she gifted us all with novelty t-shirts and lots of stories.
Ruby was our ‘steady’, our rock, our always-in-the-mood-for-family to come over. Ok, Ruby, it’s your turn to be hosted by your Heavenly family and your Lord, God, who has brought you great comfort throughout your entire life. Love you bunches and we look forward to seeing you again.
Ruby’s Celebration of Life will begin at 11:00 am, Monday, July 25, 2022 for a graveside service at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL. Reception immediately following in the Legacy Lodge at Oaklawn. Ruby was not a fan of the color black as she tended to gravitate towards lighter and brighter colors, as well as garnet and gold. Go, Seminoles! If you are so inclined to join us at her celebration, ditch the black! July, in Florida, outside, can be…uncomfortable…so we suggest that you, please, dress for your comfort.
Rather than flowers, we know that Ruby/mama would much prefer for you to honor her memory with a donation to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida or Baptist Health Foundation to benefit the Labor and Delivery Unit at Baptist Medical Center Beaches. Jason.Simpson2@bmcjax.com for more information.