Ruby Espy

Mrs. Ruby Neil Stroud Espy, age 91, of 13 Ridge Drive, Rome, GA, passed away Friday, July 25, 2008, in a local hospital.

Mrs. Espy was born in Cherokee County, Al., on June 21, 1918, the daughter of the late Joseph and Rebecca Treadaway Stroud. She was married to Clinton Ernest Espy in 1934. Ms. Espy was a woman whose love for her Lord and family was unsurpassed. Kindness, patience, and compassion for her family and fellowman were true virtues. Her authentic sweetness and gentleness were recognized by all she came in contact with. Even casual acquaintances could feel her warmth. Her family will forever remember her quiet humble spirit and unconditional love. She rarely ever complained during her declining health. Certainly a peace loving lady. Mrs. Espy's working career was that of a talented and gifted seamstress. She was employed by Rome Mfg. as a supervisor and Singer Sewing Machine Company for several years. She worked many hours but never neglected her family or home responsibilities. She was a member of Shorter Avenue Baptist Church and the Martha Lee Rogers Dorcas Sunday School Class. They were her special friends and will serve as honorary pallbearers. Also, another special friend and caregiver to Ms. Espy was Janice Chapman. In addition to her parents Mrs. Espy was preceded in death by her husband, Clinton Ernest Espy on September 1995 and a daughter, Joan Espy Stewart on September 1982.

Mrs. Espy is survived by four children, Jean Espy Murphy and her husband, Harold Murphy, Carol Espy Ayers and husband, James Ayers, Linda Espy McKibben and husband, James McKibben, and Thomas Clinton Espy and wife, Sherry Willis Espy; eight grandchildren, and several great and great, great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, July 27, 2008, at 2:30 P.M. in the Shorter Avenue Baptist Church with Rev. Jon Sullivan and Rev. Gerald Rogers officiating. Mrs. Espy will be carried to the church on Sunday to lie-in-state from 1:30 P.M. until the funeral hour. Interment will follow in the Oaknoll Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends Saturday from 6:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. in the Oaknoll Chapel of the Jennings Funeral Home.

Mrs. Espy's presence was a precious gift to her family. Thank you mother and grandmother for sharing you life so beautifully with your children and grandchildren. Your legacy will be forever remembered.

The following gentlemen have been asked to serve as active pallbearers and are requested to meet at Shorter Avenue Baptist Church by 2:00 P.M. on Sunday: David Stewart, Greg Murphy, Shawn Gross, Robin McKibben, Kirk Ayers, Tracy Stewart, and Grant Espy.

Please join Mrs. Espy's family in honoring her life by visiting www.jenningsfuneralhome.com to post tributes and share memories.

The Oaknoll Chapel of the Jennings Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements for the funeral of Mrs. Ruby Nell Stroud Espy.