Ruby Sheffield Small

SMALL, Ruby Sheffield, 84, of Colonial Heights, passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2009. She was the daughter of the late Peter D. and Sarah Smith, and the widow of E. Alvin Small. Mrs. Small was preceded in death by her first husband, Louis O Sheffield; a brother, Thomas Smith; and a sister, Elizabeth Whetzel. She was a charter member of the Colonial Christian Church, a devoted member of the church choir, the Christian Women's Fellowship where she served as Chairman of the Church World Service. She also served as Flower Coordinator for the church, a member of the OES Alpha Chapter #1, and was an attendant for the Angel Tree for many years. Mrs. Small is survived by her brother, Paul R. Smith and wife Marion, of Petersburg; nieces and nephews, J. David Whetzel and wife Sharon, of Roanoke, Bryan D. Small and wife Nancy, of Colonial Heights, Louis C. Smith and wife Sherrie of Petersburg, Susan Small Belcher and husband Earl, of Colonial Heights, and Nancy Small Barnes and husband Kris, of Colonial Heights; great-nephews, Andrew Whetzel, of Roanoke, Justin Smith, of Petersburg; Austin Barnes and wife Hollie, of Colonial Heights, Ashley Watkins, of Chesterfield, and Kelsey Barnes, of Colonial Heights; brothers-in-law, Jim Whetzel, of Roanoke, Herbert S. Small and wife Arline, of Colonial Heights, and Ralph L. Small and wife Ruth, of Colonial Heights; as well as many devoted friends. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, September 19, 2009 in Colonial Christian Church, 295 Dunlop Farms Boulevard with the Reverend Clay Boyd officiating. Burial will follow in Southlawn Memorial Park, Prince George. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Colonial Christian Church, or the Salvation Army, 1228 S. West Street, Petersburg, Va. 23803. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.