Ruby was born on December 15, 1927, in Union Grove, N.C., to Eugene and Blanche Moore.
After graduating from Union Grove School, she worked for many years at J.P. Stevens. She also worked part-time at Harmony Baptist Church.
Ruby and Robert Whitley Pierce were married on March 16, 1946. Whitley passed away on April 19, 1973.
In her senior years, Ruby met Thomas Johnson and they became close friends. Thomas and his family became like family to her, she treasured the time she spent with them.
Ruby was a kind, humble, Christian woman who loved God, her church, and her family. She also loved living in Harmony and was one of Harmony’s oldest residents. She enjoyed attending Sunday school class and church, doing word searches and watching TV. Ruby was an avid reader who read the newspaper daily. While she was still able, she loved to travel, and to cook for her family, especially for her grandchildren.
Ruby was predeceased by her husband, Whitley; her parents; her daughter, Ann Crews; her son-in-law, Roger Crews; her sister, Mildred Lackey; and her very special friend, Thomas Johnson.
Surviving to cherish her memory are her daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Wade Leonard; her granddaughter, Sandy Sheek (Gil); her grandson, Chip Leonard; four great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Leonard, Zack Leonard, Brady Sheek, and Ben Sheek; and the extended family of Thomas Johnson.
Her family would like to extend thanks to all her caretakers and to hospice for their care and service.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., at Harmony Baptist Church. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Burial will be on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at 3:30 p.m., at Harmony City Cemetery.
Donations in Ruby’s memory can be made to the Iredell Council on Aging, 344 East Front Street, Statesville, NC 28677, or to Gentiva Hospice, 1308 Davie Ave, Statesville, NC 28677.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com for the Pierce family.