Ruby Hamlet Sullivan

She was born October 4, 1920 in Franklin County, NC, the fourth of eight daughters born to the late David and Arline Jenkins Hamlet. She was a graduate of Red Oak High School, class of 1937, where she was a member of the Beta Club. She was also a member of Steele Creek Presbyterian Church and Carolina Golf and Country Club.

Mom was truly a Proverbs 31 woman, unselfish, loving and generous to all. She put everyone else first, especially her family. She was fond of the third chapter of Ecclesiastes. She loved children, music and singing, was a talented seamstress, and a wonderful cook. She enjoyed working in the yard and always had a garden when she was able to take care of it.

Mom and Dad were entrepreneurs, before they even knew what the word meant. They worked very hard, beginning with a doughnut shop in the early years of their marriage, then it was a bakery, a movie theater and many restaurants during their nearly 67 years of marriage. The Sullivan family came to Charlotte in 1957 to operate the first Holiday Inn Restaurant in town. The last of their businesses was the Hereford Barn Steak House in Charlotte, which was in business for 33 years.

Survivors include three children, Nancy Gilbert and husband Brett; Andy Sullivan and wife Sandra, all of Charlotte and Glenda Jackson and husband Dwight of Stanley. She had seven grandchildren, Angie Cosby, Brian Gilbert, Marty Sullivan, Scott Sullivan, Jeff Jackson, Greg Jackson, and Amanda Sumpter. There are 13 great grandchildren. She is also survived by three sisters, Edith Leavister of Suffolk, Va., Ruth LeClair of Greensboro, NC and Erma Mundy of Murrells Inlet, SC. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Glenn and four sisters, Evelyn Shattler, Lee Pire, Ann Toler and Rachel Campbell.

Grandsons will serve as pall bearers.

A visitation will be held at Forest Lawn West on Tuesday, December 2nd from 6 to 7:30 pm. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Steele Creek Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, December 3rd at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the Levine and Dickson Hospice House, 11900 Vanstory Drive, Huntersville, NC 28078 or Steele Creek Presbyterian Church, Cemetery Fund, 7407 Steele Creek Road, Charlotte, NC.

Arrangements are in the care of Forest Lawn West Funeral & Cremation Srv., 4601 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC.

On-line condolences may be placed at www.forestlawnwest.com.