Mrs.Ruby J. Leaphart, age 98, of 603 Dorothy Street, Waycross, passed away early Thursday, October 4, 2018, at home, with her loved ones at her bedside.

She was the eighth child of Thomas and Ethel Jones, born December 2, 1919 in Waycross. She was educated in public school in Waycross graduating from Center High in 1937 and received her BA from Spelman College in Atlanta. She was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Leaphart Sr. and a son, Bobby Glenn Leaphart.

She was a teacher in Blackshear and Waycross for 30 years and an emeritus member of the Ware County Retired Teachers Association. She was also a member of the Grandmothers’ Club.

She had been a life-long member of Greater Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church. She served as a Sunday school teacher, a member of the stewardess board, trustee board, treasurer for the Sunday school, president and organizer of the steering committee.

She leaves to cherish her memories three children: William Leaphart Jr., Waycross, Beverly Anne Leaphart Pitts, Hinesville; Ray Erich Leaphart (Barbara), Atlanta;  14 grandchildren, the Rev. Terence Merritt, MD, Dana Sanders, Craig Leaphart, Andrea Hill, Bobby G. Leaphart Jr., the Rev. André Leaphart, Kareem Pitts, Monica Leaphart, Dana Gray , Shana Shinholster, Nonya Webb , Mechelle Shaw and the Rev. Norma Benson; 15 great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Dr. Wilbur T. Leaphart (Shirley), Atlanta; a sister-in-law, Barbara Leaphart Byrd; special niece, Evelyn Cone Britton, Yellow Springs OH and many other nieces, nephews and friends.

The family is receiving friends at the residence.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 11th, at the funeral home, 505 Ware Street, Blackshear.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 12th at Greater Mt. Zion AME Church, 1085 Ossie Davis Parkway, Waycross. The Rev. Roshelle McCrae, pastor, will deliver words of comfort.

Interment will follow in Hazzard Hill Cemetery, 905 Central Ave., Waycross.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to Greater Mt Zion AME Church.

Final and most sacred arrangements are entrusted to the professional care of Rainge Memorial Chapel, Inc.