Ruby was born on September 17,1943, in McComb, MS. She was the second of 11 children born to the late Richard and Charlie B. (Lee) Brown. As a teenager, she was a popular majorette at Higgins High School, where she was known for her flashy dance moves and cowboy boots. She found Christ at an early age at Pine Grove Missionary Baptist church in Summit, MS.
Seeking better work opportunities, Ruby packed her bags and headed north to New York. At the time, this was known as the “Great Migration,” where more than 6 million African-Americans from the rural South relocated to the cities of the North, Midwest and West (from about 1916 to 1970).
One evening, in Long Island, NY, romance was kindled at a popular lounge called the Rendezvous. There with her cousins, Ruby caught the eye of a suave, 5-foot tall Puerto-Rican man named Andres. That night, Andres captured her attention as well, and eventually won her heart to say, “Yes.” In 1968, Ruby and Andres joined in holy matrimony, and remained married for 53 years until her death.
After saying their “I dos,” Andres and Ruby Martinez settled in Cambria Heights, NY, to raise a family. Shortly thereafter, she found a church home for her family at Mt. Olivet Baptist church in Hollis, NY.
Ruby retired from Creedmor Hospital after more than 20 years of service, where she worked as a health care supervisor. After retirement, she wanted to move back South to build a home in Virginia Beach, VA.
She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchild. If she wasn’t spending time with the kids, Ruby enjoyed attending Piney Grove Baptist Church in Virginia Beach. She hosted Pokeno nights in her home, took up bowling in a senior league, and enjoyed swimming at the local recreation center. An avid sports fan, Ruby’s cheers could be heard throughout the house as she watched tennis, basketball or the Olympics.
Ruby embodied that deep southern hospitality charm. She was witty, warm, funny and always offered a hug, kiss and a smile followed by a boisterous, “Hey Baby!” To her childhood family, she was known as “Doll” because of her cuteness — as a baby, she resembled a baby doll. To others, who adored her style, her looks and her room-filling personality, she earned the glamorous title, “Gladys Knight.”
Ruby was the mother of the late Jefferey Keith Brown of Brooklyn, NY, Raymond (Marjorie) Martinez of Massapequa, NY, Valerie Martinez of Charlotte, NC and Eric (Safara) Martinez of Houston, TX. She was the grandmother of Anthony Richard Martinez, Nicolas Ray Martinez, Andre Kyle Martinez, Adrian Kenneth Martinez and Gavin Ray Martinez. She was the great-grandmother of Akyra Nicole Martinez.
Ruby is survived by her sisters and brothers, Charles Edward (Ida) Brown of McComb, MS, Robert Kennedy (Lynda) Brown of Summit, MS, Eunice Brown (Richard) White of McComb, MS, Rhonda (late Jerry) Carter of McComb, MS, Warnellla Brown of Brooklyn, NY and Cynthia Brown of Summit, MS
She was predeceased by her brothers Larry Donnell (Catherine) Brown and Richard Brown Jr., and sisters Shirley Ann McBride, Ruth Neil Brown and Ernestine Brown.
“It breaks our hearts to lose you but you did not go alone but part of us went with you the day God called you home.”
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