Ruby Lee Vines

Mrs. Ruby Lee Vines of New Haven, Connecticut passed away in her home on August 22, 2018. She was born in Pitt County North Carolina to the late Mr. Lonnie Brown Carr and to Mrs. Mary Magaline Brown Carr. Ruby was a devoted mother to her children and a loving wife to her husband John H. Vines, Jr. She would often say that John came into her life when she needed him most. She met and married Mr. John H. Vines and they enjoyed a relationship filled with love, compassion, church activities, family and travel. Ruby graduated from Robinson Union High School in North Carolina. She moved to New Haven, Connecticut in 1951 and worked at Lincoln School, Winchester, Majestic Laundry and for the owners of the Oakdale Theater. Ruby was raised in the church, joining Saint Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville, North Carolina as a child. After relocating to Connecticut, she joined Pitts Chapel Freewill Baptist Church where she served as an Usher, Vice President of the Mother’s Board, and President of the Home Mission. Ruby’s gift for attracting friendships across all ages and groups was a major factor in her willingness to counsel and help her family and friends. She provided emotional support, guidance and sound advice to all. Ruby had a nurturing demeanor and a big heart. She was an advocate for education and she encouraged young people to continue their education whether it was getting a trade or going to college. She was fierce in her insistence that every child deserved love, support, and encouragement. She lived a life of service and left enough time to laugh and enjoy the company of others. She enjoyed reading, cooking and playing checkers. She brought joy to everyone that was around her. Ruby was a devoted Christian who placed her life and trust in God. During her time of illness, she would always respond when asked how she was doing, “I’m just laying here waiting on the Lord.” Ruby was predeceased by her Mother Mary Magaline Brown Carr, father Lonnie Brown Carr, son Lonnie Edwards, daughter Sabrina Edwards, sister Rubella Harris, brothers, Linwood Carr and James Edgeston. She leaves to cherish her memory: a loving husband; John H. Vines Jr., two sons; Marvin Edwards and Johnny Vines, five daughters; Alease Edwards (Wesley), Deborah Jones, Inera Parks, Shirley Brinkley (Johnny), and Lavone Sturdivant (Maurice) of Birmingham, Alabama; a sister, Annie Bernard (William) of Newark New Jersey, a sister-in-law; Juanita Carr of Conyers, Georgia; fifteen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Ruby Lee Vines

June 4, 1931 - August 22, 2018