Ruby Lee Pettway

Ruby Lee Pettway, a native of Mobile, Alabama, born November 27,1938, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Ruby was the 3rd child of Willie Pettway Sr. and Margaret (Maggie) Pettway. She was preceded in death by her parents Willie and Maggie Pettway, sisters LaCandis Lewis, Dorothy Glover, Marjorie Hyde, Sandra Pettway Lucky, Thelma Jones and Jeannette Pettway, and brothers Willie Pettway Jr., and Jonathan Pettway.

Ruby devoted her life to being a child of God, caring for core family values and her education. Ruby was a graduate of Central High School class of 1956. She later furthered her education at Faulkner State College and obtained a degree in criminal justice. Ruby graduated and relocated to Buffalo, NY where she took on jobs that always allowed her to nurture the lives of others. Life had a way of bringing her back to Mobile, AL as she took on the role of becoming the first black female corporal at Mobile Airport Authority continuing the legacy her father instilled in her before his passing… “Take good care of others and yourself.” She retired from her job at Mobile Airport Authority in 1995. 

Ruby not only dedicated her life to her career but also to her family. She wore many hats of being a second mother to many children and a friend to loved ones. She was a fierce advocate for protecting her family, giving grace to all individuals. 

Ruby was one of God’s greatest gifts to the Pettway family. She was more than her name. She was a beacon of light, love and care. She embodied the true meaning of being a woman. She was a natural nurturing spirit that cared for the hearts of others around her. Ruby’s gift of making you feel welcome and comforted was her greatest strengths and qualities. She was a true matriarch of this family. She leaves a legacy of selflessness, perseverance, devotion to family, unconditional love, and a one-of-a-kind personality. 

As we reflect on her journey, allow us to remember the importance of family that she instilled in us, passed down to our generations of change makers. Let her moments of joy that she brought into our lives forever be remembered and engraved to memories. Mama Ruby had an ability to make even the simplest occasions feel special and her legacy will live on through the love she shared, the lessons she taught, and the memories we created together. 

She leaves to cherish her loving memory, her daughters, Tamekia Pettway of Mobile, AL, Marshakela (Calvin) Whigham of Mobile, AL, a loving and devoted sister, Fringella Preston of Mobile, AL, special grandchild, Allison Pettway (Willis) West of Mobile, AL, special grandchild, Ruben Lindsay of Mobile, AL, a host of grandchildren, nieces, a very special niece Brenda J. Pharr of Killen, TX, and nephews .