Ruby Mae Grier

Ruby Mae Coleman-Grier transitioned from her mortal body on Friday, June 2, 2023, and accepted her heavenly position as the angel she was at 86 years of age with her loving daughter, Deborah Coleman and grandchildren, William Hosey and Sparkle Durrly at her side. She was always a pillar of loving light to the Coleman-Grier family and to all that have come to know her. Relatives from all over would come to see and stay with her and she would always make you feel at home.
Ruby, also known as Mom, Granny, and Mother, was born in Sandersville, Mississippi on September 17, 1936 to her parents, Beatrice Thigpen and Henry Williams; along with five sisters and five brothers. She was told that back then people of color births were not recorded immediately, and because of that her birth certificate stated October 17, 1936.
On Sept 4, 1952, Ruby M. Williams married Earley Coleman in Laurel Mississippi, Jones County. In 1956 with their two children Juanita and Earley Coleman Jr., they moved to Joliet, IL with Mr. and Mrs. Ollie on Patterson Road, while her husband Earley worked on building their home with his own two hands. They also had four more children, Geraldine, Deborah, David and Sandra Coleman. He worked at Uniroyal plant, where he died at the age of 31 in 1964 due to a work accident.
Ruby with the help of the Lord, became a member of Mt. Zion Baptist church and went on to work as a certified nursing assistant (CNA). Ruby Coleman became the first black Avon Lady in Joliet, IL and sold Avon for over 50 years. She helped others to start their own business with Avon as well. As her children got older and started having children, Ruby took on the role as a Daycare provider for her grandchildren and others. Then in the 1970s Ruby met David Grier and they married February of '82'. Ruby and David were avid bowlers belonging to the men and women bowling leagues and would travel the country, in tournaments and go on cruises where-ever their hearts desired.
In 1992, Ruby took on the role as a caregiver to her mother, Beatrice Williams, moving her to Joliet to live with her. She took care of mother for the rest of her mother's life until her passing. Ruby then became a Cosmetologist from 1999 through 2013.
Ruby later in life became a caregiver to her husband who soon after retirement became very Ill. After years of caring for her husband, David, whom passed away in 2006. From there on she cared for her brother, Ezell and her daughters, Geraldine Coleman, Sandra Coleman and Juanita Graves, who all became ill until the Lord called them home. Ruby was ill herself and diagnosed with lung cancer in 2018, regardless of her diagnosis she always took care of someone in need of help. God gave her 5 more wonderful years of happiness full of laughter and joy with her family and friends.
During her fight with cancer, she fought until God called her home. During that time her health started to slowly decline, and her last remaining daughter, Deborah Coleman moved back from Texas to take care of Ruby for the last 3 remaining years of her life. Making sure she went to all her appointments, taking her out to eat, going out together and spending precious moments traveling when they could together. Where Ruby was, so was Deborah, even up until her very last breath.
Ruby was an amazing Mother, Grandmother, and friend to all she came into contact with. She would always make you smile and laugh. Life will never be the same without you. You are loved and will forever be missed.
Ruby is preceded in death by her loving husband, David Grier; former husband, Earley Coleman; her parents, Beatrice and Henry William; sisters, Catherine Jordan, Cecilia Bayless and Erma Jean Beckley; brothers, Bruce, Mack, Ezell, Thomas-Lewis Williams and Henry Williams Jr. (Buddy Boy).
Ruby Mae's life, legacy and memories will be cherished by her daughter and two sons, Deborah Coleman, Earley Coleman (Terry Coleman), and David Coleman; sisters, Lola Brown and Susan Williams; brother-in-law, Minister John Beckley; sister-in-law, Gwen (Jake) Little; grand-children, William Hosey (Dischone Hosey), Joseph Hick, Sparkle Durrly, Joshua Durrly, Katelyn Jones, Darnesha Jones, Tanya Graves, Tony Graves, Felicia Staffold, Early Gooch (Gerrie Gooch), Dennaris Coleman (Tina Coleman) and David Coleman Jr.; and a host of greatgrandchildren, great-great nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.
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