Ruby Davis Obituary

Ruby Louise Davis, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 20, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. She was 92 years old. Ruby was born on September 30, 1932, in Youngstown, Ohio, the third of eight children born to Joseph Brown, Sr. and Estella Evans Brown. She was educated in the Youngstown Public Schools and graduated from North High School in 1952. A woman of deep faith, Ruby accepted Christ at a young age and became a member of Alpha and Omega First Baptist Church, where she began a lifelong journey of service, fellowship, and compassion. A spirited and ambitious young woman, Ruby worked as a nanny and as a locker room attendant at the Tippecanoe Country Club to fund her admission to Youngstown University. Though financial hardship prevented her from completing her degree, she remained determined and resourceful, taking a job in the cafeteria at Strouss' Department Store. It was there that a chance pairing in a co-worker's wedding brought her together with the love of her life, David Davis. Ruby and David married, settled on Youngstown's East Side, and built a beautiful life together with their two daughters, Gloria and Kim. Ruby made history in her own quiet, determined way. She became one of the first African American employees at Packard Electric, a division of General Motors. Starting on the assembly line, her intelligence, precision, and work ethic earned her a promotion to quality control inspector, making her only the second African American to hold that role in the company. Ruby retired in 1988 after a 30-year career with General Motors. After retirement, Ruby and David moved to Atlanta to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren. Ruby's passion for service flourished after joining Providence Baptist Church in 1994. She served as President of the Nurses Guild, organized American Red Cross blood drives and a comprehensive Health Fair, and was a cherished member of the Mother's Board and Missions Ministry. Her calming presence, loving nature, and gift for encouragement brought comfort to many. Ruby also had an entrepreneurial spirit. In Ohio, she was a top direct sales producer for Faye Swofford handbags and luggage. In Atlanta, she partnered with her daughter Gloria to co-found Atlanta Cards, the first African American manufacturer's rep company contracted to sell Hallmark's Mahogany Cards to retail stores. From 1988 to 1998, Atlanta Cards became a standout exhibitor at the National Stationery Show in New York and the Atlanta Gift and Merchandise Marts. She was also a Tour Guide at WSB Television Station in Atlanta for several years. A social light and elegant presence, Ruby and David were known for their vibrant social life, attending parties, balls, and celebratory events with friends across the country. Yet Ruby's heart always remained rooted in her faith, her family, and her mission to uplift others. To know Ruby was to love her. Her beauty, grace, warmth, and wisdom made a lasting impression on everyone she met. Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, her precious brothers, Clarence, Brown, Hubert Brown, Orrin Brown, Joseph Brown, Jr and her beloved sister, Juanita Trimble. She is survived by her devoted husband of over 65 years, David Davis; daughters Gloria Williams (Bobby) and Kim Mailey (Charles); grandsons Alexander Padgett (Seychelle) and Justin Mailey; sisters Henrietta Jeter and Jeannie Coleman (Simmie); and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends. Ruby Louise Davis lived a full and meaningful life, grounded in love, guided by faith, and marked by kindness. Her legacy will continue to shine in the lives of all she touched. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 26th at 11:00 AM (Viewing at 10:am) at Providence Baptist Church, 1777 Hawthorne Ave., College Park, GA 30344. A Final Farewell Celebration will take place on Saturday, August 2nd at 10:00 am (Viewing at 9:00AM) at Alpha and Omega Baptist Church, 3120 Winton Ave., Youngstown, Ohio 44505. Burial will follow at Tod Homestead Cemetery, 2200 Belmont Ave., Youngstown, Ohio 44505. Local arrangements entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruby Louise Davis, please visit our floral store.