Rosemary "Ruby" Toney

Celebrating the Life, the Love, the Legacy of
Rosemary "Ruby" Randolph Toney
Rosemary "Ruby" Randolph Toney, age 97, (September 17, 1928 – October 30, 2025) known lovingly as "A Rose, A Mary, A Ruby, Our Mom," passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family in Reserve, LA. Born in New Orleans, LA, Rosemary was the cherished daughter of Joseph "Joe" Forest Randolph and Celina Schexnayder Randolph Jackson; her maternal grandparents: Frank Schexnayder, Louvenia "Zoot" Malone Thomas; her paternal grandparents: Napoleon Randolph and Jeanne Robinet; and her Aunt and Uncle Guardians, Marie Robinet Valentine and Peter Valentine. Sisters, Mardarl Ramsey (Deceased) and Ida "Angel" Williams (Austin, TX).
Rosemary was a lifelong learner whose academic achievements laid the groundwork for her distinguished career. She attended St. Catherine/Our Lady of Grace Catholic School and Booker T. Washington High School in New Orleans before graduating as the Valedictorian of Fifth Ward High School. Her passion for teaching led her to Xavier University and Southern University A&M College where she earned both her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Education. She later advanced her career by completing a Plus 30 Certification from Southeastern Louisiana University.
For more than 37 years, Ms. Toney dedicated herself to shaping the futures of children at Our Lady of Grace Catholic School and Southern University Lab School. Later, her teaching career spanned several schools within the St. John the Baptist Parish Public School System to include Fifth Ward High School, Rosenwald Elementary, Fifth Ward Elementary, and Milesville Elementary, where there she served as a Special Education Teacher. Deservingly, she was awarded Teacher of the Year. Her life was a true testament to her unwavering dedication to faith, family, and education. In her home for many years, she hosted weekly Bible study for her treasured community.
Her pastime enjoyments include spending one-on-one time with her Lord and Savior while reading her Bible. In her retirement, she loved to go – always dressed and prepared for the going at a moment's notice. She enjoyed time with family, friends, card playing, bingo, dancing, bus rides to the casino, among other activities. As a classy fashion standout, she modeled the catwalk in a host of fashion shows. Her warmth, beautiful eyes, soft smile, infectious laugh, loving and kind spirit was recognized and embraced by everyone she met, both near and far. Her wisdom, values, and lasting impact will forever be remembered. With such a sweet soul, dignity, integrity, sophistication, strength, selflessness and grace, she is truly and will always be Heaven's special gift!
Rosemary was formerly married to the late Pershing "Bunny" Toney, Sr. Mom was a woman of deep maternal devotion, friendship and compassion for others. From the marital union, are 5 Dearly Loved Children: Mala Toney Taylor (Robert), Vallery "Val" Toney Tuircuit (Gone but not forgotten), Terry Toney Jones (Edmond/Deceased), Alana Toney Griggs (Michael, Stonecrest, GA), and Pershing "Petey" Toney, Jr. - #1 Son (Deirdre) - deeply her passions - and often telling them, "You know I'd swim the Mississippi River for you!" She gave each of them her best leaving nothing better to give!
Survived by her sister, Ida "Angel" Williams (Ervin, Austin, TX), and Melanie Muse (Niece); Grandsons: Robert "Rob" Taylor, Jr., Andrew "Pep" Tuircuit, Horatio Johnson, Darryl Jones, Romond Taylor, Carlshane Dennis, Pershing "Persh" Toney, III; Granddaughters: Chentrelle "Trelle" Taylor (Los Angeles, CA), Andrea "Innie" Toney Sandifer, Andrietta "Annie" Toney, Niquita "Quika" Dennis, Airelle "Susie" Toney, Angelle "Minnie" Toney, Ashondra "Sha" Toney, Sydney Toney (Houston, TX); A Host of Loving Great and Great-Great Grandchildren.
Rosemary was preceded in death by her second oldest daughter, Vallery "Val" Toney Tuircuit (gone but not forgotten), her parents, Joseph Forest Randolph and Celina Schexnayder Randolph Jackson; her sister, Mardarl Ramsey; her maternal grandparents, Frank Schexnayder, Louvenia "Zoot" Malone Thomas; her paternal grandparents, Napoleon Randolph and Jeanne Robinet; and her Aunt and Uncle Guardians, Marie Robinet Valentine and Peter Valentine.
Relatives and friends of the family, Pastors, officers and members of New Wine Christian Fellowship, Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, St. John Parish School Board employees, and all neighboring Churches are invited to the Celebration of Life Services at 10:00am on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at New Wine Christian Fellowship, 1929 W. Airline Hwy, Laplace, LA 70068. Pastor Neil Bernard, Officiating. Visitation 8:00am until the time of service at the above-named Church. Entombment St. Peter Catholic Church Mausoleum. 1550 LA-44, Reserve, LA 70084. Final Arrangements entrusted to Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home & Funeral Directors, LLC. 605 Main Street, Laplace, LA 70068. 985-359-1919. Providing Care & Comfort is Our Highest Mission."
There will also be a visitation on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at the Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home, 605 Main Street, Laplace, LA 70068.
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