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Ruby Smith Obituary

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Ruby Smith

Orange, NJ

March 15, 1920 - April 7, 2020

Ruby Smith Obituary

Ruby Ann Whittle Smith The year is 1920 and… Oh! What a decade of change! World War I ended, The Negro Baseball League was founded, Joan of Arc was canonized as a Saint, The 18th Amendment introduced Prohibition, The 19th Amendment gave Women the Right to Vote AND Ruby Ann Whittle was BORN! On Monday, March 15, 1920, a petite baby girl was born to George and Dora Whittle. Beautiful, happy, loving and precious, this little girl was named Ruby Ann and this birth set in motion an amazing life that has spanned 100 years and touched countless people. Ruby was her mother’s pride and joy, and the apple of her father’s eye. She was his sweet ‘Dumpling’, a nickname that followed her throughout her life, as she was took her place as the ‘Little Princess’ of the Whittle household. Two years later, George and Dora became the proud parents of a fun-loving son, George W. Jr., affectionately called ‘Winkie’, whom Ruby welcomed with open arms. The Whittle household, in South Hill, Virginia, was complete! In 1923, the Whittle Family moved from Virginia to Baltimore, Maryland. After a short stay there, the family moved to New Jersey where in 1925 they settled into their home at 335 Ogden Street, Orange. This home-sweet-home shaped Ruby’s life as she attended the Orange Public Schools until her graduation from Orange High School in 1940. She made lifelong friends during these formative years, in school and church, whom she cherished until their passing. She continues to be in close contact with her friends’ children to this day because, ‘FRIENDSHIP and FAMILY are ONE’, in Ruby’s heart! After high school, Ruby furthered her education at the New York Institute of Dietetics. Upon completion, she did her Internship at Provident Hospital in Baltimore, MD and then returned to New Jersey to assume the role of Dietician at the Community Hospital in Newark NJ. This hospital was formerly known as Dr. John A. Kenney Memorial Hospital, founded by Dr. Kenney in 1927. The only hospital in the area that hired Black physicians, nurses, dieticians, lab technicians and other essential staff, Ruby was steered to this job by the wife of Dr. Phillips of Newark, to add to the complete care that Community Hospital offered. Over time, Community Hospital had to close its doors and Ruby had to move on. Ruby wasted no time wondering what her next move would be! She gained employment at Western Electric Company in Kearney, NJ, where the Bell Telephones were assembled. She was part of the Clerical Department where she ordered parts to ensure the completion of telephones for distribution. She worked in the office for 30 years, even when the company became AT&T. She retired in 1985 and still stays connected through the Western Electric Pioneers Club. Ruby shared her life with her husband, Willie E. Smith, Sr. Together they enjoyed their home on Edgar Street, EO and later on Freeman Avenue, EO. He was a Black Seal licensed plumber and also worked as a chemical plant operator for Diamond Shamrock in Harrison, NJ. Their 37 years of marriage is an example of a partnership built on love. Ruby enjoyed her life, her family, her friends and most of all the blessings that God bestowed upon her. She was an active member of New Hope Baptist Church, East Orange, as she served on the Usher Board and participated in various ministries. It was through her church that she was introduced to Hospice, Inc. She served as a volunteer for several years. Ruby stayed connected with her Church Family through phone calls and cards, that she sent them, and through visits that she received regularly from the New Hope Visiting Ministry. Activity and involvement in people-to-people activities seemed to be the key to a long life! Ruby was a very active member in the East Orange Senior Citizens Exercise and Wellness Program at its inception at 7 Glenwood Avenue. She enjoyed going to social events, participated in the exercise programs, transported those who needed a ride and rode in Memorial Day Parades to demonstrate her pride in the vitality of EO Seniors. As her mobility declined, she occasionally attended the Game Days and other special events, but she remained a dedicated supporter. The Orange Retirement Club, who meets weekly at the YMCA-East Orange, still had Ruby at its table enjoying exercises, BINGO, lunch, outings and fun, fun, fun! Ruby lived her life to the fullest and welcomed everyone to come along for the ride. Nothing slowed her down, as her club members will tell you. From Freeman Avenue to The Peter Antonellis Senior Building on So. Harrison Street to The White House Healthcare Center, Ruby continued having a fabulous journey and continued to thrive! Ruby is our ‘precious jewel’ and a role model for so many women and girls. So many have said,” When I grow up, I want to be just like Ruby!” Her poise, smile, sense of humor, stunning style, grace, perseverance, independence, wisdom, quick wit, generosity, intellect and well-roundedness are just some of the attributes that make her our Phenomenal Women! Ruby peacefully transitioned on Tuesday morning, April 7, 2020. Her rest is well deserved after living a full and rewarding 100 years! Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, George and Dora Whittle; brother, George (Winkie) Whittle, Jr. and husband, Willie E. Smith, Sr. She is survived by her loving step-son, Benjamin Brown (Carol); grandson, Kareem Brown; granddaughter, Kenya Brown Hicks; great-granddaughter, Alyssa Hicks; God-son, Eric Jones (Deziree); God-daughter, Stacy Harrison; nieces, Jacqueline Clark (David), Susan Adams, Victoria Jr. (Scooter) and Jennifer Carlisle, Deidra Lewis and Hazel and Rudine Smith; cousin, Bernice Skipwith; sister-in-law, Trudi Whittle; brother-in-law, Deacon Samuel L. Smith, Jr. and dear friends, Allie Holloway, Betty Moore, and Della Walker. She also leaves a host of family and friends to cherish her precious memories.

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