RAEFORD — Ruby Grant Thigpen McKenzie, 96, formerly of Rockingham, passed away Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, at Autumn Care in Raeford.
Ruby was born in Richmond County on Aug. 9, 1923, and was the last surviving of 12 children born to the late William Birch Grant and Betty Smith Grant. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Vickers Thigpen, and her second husband, Johnnie McKenzie.
As a result of declining health, she had resided with her daughter, Susan, in Fayetteville for the past several years. Previously she had a working career of more than 30 years with Burlington Industries and was an active member of Pee Dee United Methodist Church. Her hobbies were cooking and quilting, but her greatest joy was her love for her grandchildren and love for the Lord.
She is survived by her children, Susan Smith (Larry Gene) of Fayetteville and Jimmy Thigpen (Dana) of Hamlet; three grandchildren, Tami Page Smith, Lawrence Bradley Smith and Brittany Morgan Smith; and four great-grandchildren: Madison Alexis Janson, Morgan Elizabeth Janson, Mason Luke Cato and Marli Rae Graves.
A graveside service will be conducted at 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27 at Richmond County Memorial Park, where she will be laid to rest beside her first husband. There will be no formal visitation but the family will greet friends at the cemetery.
Carter Funeral Home is serving the family. Condolences may be made online at www.carterfuneral.net.
