Ruby Jewel Mays

     Ruby Jewel began her life’s journey on October 27, 1925, in McCrory Arkansas. She was the first of nine children born to Ott and Ruby Metcalf. Due to her father’s moving around in farm work, Ruby was privileged to attend school through the fifth grade. From her experiences in early life during the great depression, Ruby learned the value of growing her own food and later in life planted large gardens and during harvest canned the fruit of her labor.

     Ruby was blessed throughout her life to experience the joys of falling in love, marriage, and the special joy of becoming the mother of three children. It has been stated that Ruby desired to provide a loving, Christian home for her family. Throughout her life no matter where she lived Ruby was a faithful member to the Church of Christ. She always enjoyed taking her children to church and sharing with them the value of their inheritance in Christ. Ruby also had the blessing of sharing her love of Christ with others, leading many to begin their life with Christ.

     Blessed with the spirit of compassion Ruby dedicated many hours as a caregiver in the home of those in need. When the time came to care for her own health challenges, Ruby moved to Benton to be near her family.

     On October 1st just twenty six days shy of her 98th birthday Ruby passed away in Benton. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ott and Ruby (Best) Metcalf, husband, W.W. Nickleson often known as “Mutt” and the father of her children, daughter, Marion Green, husband, Don Mays, siblings, James Metcalf, Tommy Metcalf, Charles Ray Metcalf, Phyllis Jean Farris and Helen Barnett.

     She is survived by her son, William Nickleson and wife Nita of Benton, daughter, Dorothy Holiday and husband Larry of Texarkana, TX., sisters, Eddie B. Kingston of Gulfport, MS., Dorothy Jean Taylor of Kingston, N.C., Linda Ann Johnson of South Haven, MS., six grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren and a host of extended family, church family and friends. 

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