Ruby Deaton Cleary

1925 - 2016

WILLIAMSBURG - Ruby Deaton Cleary went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 26, 2016 after a lengthy illness. She was 91 years old. Ruby was born Margaret Ruby Deaton, in Mount Gilead, NC on May 14, 1925. She grew up during austere times in a kind and loving Christian home. She moved to Newport News, VA in 1946 after marrying Grant Burris (deceased). From this union they bore 3 children. She became a born-again Christian while attending Liberty Baptist Church, Hampton, VA. After raising her children, she began a career in nursing. Ruby trained as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Riverside Hospital and then received her Registered Nurse (RN) License in the first graduating class of Thomas Nelson Community College, graduating with top honors. Most of her nursing career was spent at Eastern State Hospital (ESH), Williamsburg, VA in supervisory positions with the geriatric unit, and she was dedicated and devoted to her staff and patients. She was involved in the formulation of the first Alzheimer's Unit at ESH, which she believed was the greatest accomplishment of her nursing career. She retired from ESH in 1990. Her hobbies included gardening, caring for pets and outdoor birds, fishing and traveling with friends. She resided in Williamsburg, VA for over thirty years, where she was a member of Grace Baptist Church, serving in various positions, including choir. She married James Cleary (deceased), who was a wonderful companion. Due to health problems she moved to Sarasota, FL in 2010 to live with her daughter, Nancy McDaniels. She also became a member of Colonial Oaks Baptist Church. Ruby is survived by her children, Linda Hursh of Orlando, FL, Larry Burris of Gloucester Point, VA and Nancy McDaniels of Sarasota, FL; grandchildren, Cary Knights, Jason Knights and seven great grandchildren. She was loved and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. A visitation will be held at 11am on Friday, December 2, 2016 followed by a service at 12pm at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bible Broadcasting Network, PO Box 7300, Charlotte, NC 28241. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.nelsencares.com.