Ruby Lee Harris Mabry

Ruby Lee Harris Mabry, 95, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at McKendree in Hermitage where she had made her home for the past several years. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday at 1:00 P.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Father Peter Whalen officiating. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Tuesday after 11:30 A.M. at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials to the Golden Cross Program, c/o McKendree Village, 4343 Lebanon Road, Hermitage, TN 37076. Notes of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.oakesandnichols.com. Born on April 24, 1916 in Maury County, she was the daughter of the late William Allen Harris and Anna Bell Smith Harris. Ruby was the devoted and loving wife of Rev. John J. Mabry, Jr. whom she married April 25, 1937 and with whom she embraced life through her service to God, her family and through her volunteer activities. She was a member of Craft Memorial Methodist Church where she and her husband served many years in various leadership capacities. Rev. Mabry pastored churches throughout the Tennessee Conference with Ruby by his side until his death on April 9, 1984. Quilting was Ruby's favorite hobby. To her each quilt offered an oasis of tranquility and relaxation. To the recipients they offered hospitality, elegance, style, and magic. Family and friends were always important to Ruby and by reaching out to them in a time of need, she lived an accomplished and memorable life. She is survived by her son, John Allen (June) Mabry of Montgomery, Alabama; daughter, Fay (Gary) Sanders of Mt. Juliet; two grandsons, John Mabry of Montgomery, Alabama; Scott Sanders of Mt. Juliet; three great granddaughters, Tayler Mabry and Ashton Mabry, both of Montgomery, Alabama; Clara Grace Sanders of Mt. Juliet; a special nephew, Baird Tarpley Harris of Franklin; and a special niece, Janice Jones Maxwell of Louisville, Kentucky. She was preceded in death by a sister, Minnie Osborne; and three brothers, Smith Harris, Ewing Harris and Baird Harris. Pallbearers will be John Mabry, Jr., Scott Sanders, Howard Magill, Carl Gillespie, and Baird T. Harris.