WILMINGTON — Ruby Elizabeth Oakley, 91, passed away Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, at Trinity Grove Nursing Home.
She was born Sept. 13, 1927, in Stem to the late Erwin Tilley and Barbara Goss Tilley.
She was preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy Oakley Jr.; brother, Junior Irvin Tilley; and sister, Edith Tilley Jordan.
Ruby, beloved mother, sister and grandmother, is survived by her children, LeRoy Oakley III, and his wife, Cheryl, of Wilmington, and Bobby Dale Oakley, and his wife, Tracy, of Greensboro; brother, Thelbert Tilley, and his wife, Janet, of Rougemont; sister, Joyce Tilley Atkins of Hillsborough; brother, Ray Tilley, and his wife, Belinda, of Durham; grandchildren, Jessica Robbins, and her husband, Allen, Maggie Watters, and her husband, Todd, and Kevin Oakley; great-grandchildren, Spencer Robbins and Carter Robbins; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ruby worked for the North Carolina State Highway Patrol for 20 years. She was an avid reader, traveler and active in the Democratic Women and ABWA. She was awarded Woman of the Year by the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) and also received the North Carolina State Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Robert Scott.
Ruby was well known for her love of learning and promotion of education. She was diminutive, but feisty, and, above all, a lover of family.
Visitation will be held at 10 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 28, at the Andrews Valley Chapel. Committal in Oleander Memorial Gardens will follow.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or Wounded Warrior Project.
Share online condolences with the family at Andrews Mortuary & Crematory.
