Ruby Lee Gardner Henry was born on August 30, 1947 to the late James Andrews and Ruby Lucille Gardner. Ruby departed this life after a lengthy illness on April 14, 2018, at her residence.

Ruby accepted Christ as her personal savior at Providence M.B. Church, Ethelsville, Alabama, under the leadership of Rev. C.C. Conner. Ruby was a 1967 graduate of Hopewell High, Reform, Alabama. In 1968, Ruby united in Holy Matrimony to Benny W. Henry. Ruby joined Mt. Olive M.B. Church and served as: Adult Women Sunday School teacher, usher, missionary secretary, and a member of the adult choir. Ruby was employed by Mid-South Fireworks, Westinghouse, and United Technologies. Ruby began housekeeping for several families. Ruby made the most delicious sweet tea, and she was a master baker, well-known for her caramel cakes.

In 1972, Ruby gave birth to a baby girl and named her Regina. Later, in 1975, Ruby gave birth to a baby boy and named him Benjamin. Ruby is preceded in death by her parents, James and Lucille Gardner, and brother, Mathis "Bo" Gardner.

Ruby leaves to cherish her memories: a loving and devoted husband of 49 years, Benny W. Henry; daughter, Regina (Marcus) Wash; son, Benjamin Henry; grandchildren, Lily, Zackary, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel "EJ"; sisters, Mattie (George) Williams, Barbara (Walter) Dumas, Sanfo Morris, and Bernetta (Ricky) Davis, all of Columbus, MS; brothers, L.A. (Mertha) Gardner and Henry Allen Gardner, both of Ethelsville, AL, Eugene Gardner, Edgar T. Gardner, and Willie James (Rosie) Gardner, all of Columbus, MS, and Clarence (Sheila) Gardner of Toledo, OH; one aunt, Frances Guyton of Toledo, OH; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, her church family and many loving friends. Ruby also leaves to cherish: two brothers-in-law, Willie F. Henry and Leon (Bessie) Henry, and one sister-in-law, Elnora Porter, all of Ethelsville, AL. Ruby adopted Sylvester, Tajshmen, Vernessa, Andrew, Arquetia, Mark, and Adrienne. In addition to her immediate family, Ruby had a lasting, loving impact on the Gresham family and the Alnas family.