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Ruby Merle Brantley Braswell

November 11, 1925 ~ February 27, 2020

ROCKY MOUNT - Ruby Merle Brantley Braswell, passed away peacefully in Greensboro on Thursday, February 27, 2020 at the age of 94. Born in Rocky Mount, NC on November 11, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Bijah B. Brantley and Arma Rena Denton Brantley. She was also preceded in death by her two sisters, Mildred Ricardo and Dorothy Maney; her brother Roy Garland; and her nieces Charlotte, Dorothy Merle, and Carolyn. Ruby lived a long and dedicated life, devoted to her faith, family and community. Perhaps best known for her career as a real estate agent in Rocky Mount, she was a pioneer among women and a champion for fair business. At a time when few women worked in the field, Ruby set out on her own and achieved great success by caring for everyone who desired to buy or sell a home without prejudice. Until her retirement in the mid-1980's, Ruby Braswell Real Estate remained Rocky Mount's top producing office for three decades. Ruby also had the privilege of being the first woman to serve on the Nash County Board of Realtors. A woman of great faith and generosity, Ruby served as choir director for over 30 years, taught Sunday School for many generations, served on several church boards throughout her life, and was a prominent benefactor of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, having donated an addition to the main building in honor of her parents under their family name, The Brantley Chapel. She spent her final years in Rocky Mount as a member of First United Methodist Church before moving to Greensboro in 2014 to be in the care of her beloved great niece, Rena. Ruby leaves behind to cherish her memory, her sister in-law Irene Brantley; nephew Jeffrey Brantley and his wife Mary; great niece Rena Abbate Watson and her husband Mark; and numerous other nieces and nephews and their children. A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2020 at 3:00 PM at First United Methodist Church Chapel, 100 South N. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Rev. Matthew Seaton officiating. Burial will follow the service at Pineview Cemetery. A visitation with the family will be from 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM prior the service in the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, please direct all donations to First United Methodist Church in Rocky Mount, 100 South N. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall 100 South Church Street Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Sunday 3/1, 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm A visitation with the family will be from 2:00 PM t 2:45 PM prior the service in the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Service First United Methodist Church (Rocky Mount) 100 South Church Street Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-977-0400 --> | Sunday 3/1, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2020 at 3:00 PM at First United Methodist Church, 100 South N. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Cemetery Pineview Cemetery 761 N. Raleigh Road Rocky Mount, NC 27801 Sunday 3/1, 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm Burial will follow the service at Pineview Cemtery.

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  1. God give peace to her family especially her niece Rena who has been her care giver. May beautiful cherished memories of strong willed Ruby live on in her family and friends heart til they meet in heaven. In Christian Sympathy, Tom and Martha Lancaster Barnes

  2. I had the honor of fixing miss Braswell’s hair for around 20 years until she moved away. She would always arrive with a beautiful smile and uplifting spirit. I admired her wisdom and would cling to every word when she reminisced about the good ole days and when she began her journey in real estate. She was a smart, strong and independent woman and proved that after building her business during times when women didn’t have careers…she gave me great advice that I still use in my business. I loved her dearly. Her strong faith in God is a comfort knowing where she is spending her eternity. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

  3. So many good memories of Ruby, her mom, dad and extended family. Such great neighbors! Condolences to the family.

  4. So many good memories of Ruby, her mom, dad and extended family. Such great neighbors! Condolences to the family.

  5. So many good memories of Ruby, her mom, dad and extended family. Such great neighbors! Condolences to the family.

  6. It is with great sadness that I learn of Ruby Braswell’s death. She was such a strong example to me as a young woman at St. Paul UMC and offered great encouragement as I sought recommendation for the ordained ministry. Now, forty years later, her kindness and Christian witness still speak volumes of the incredible person she was. Rest well in the joy of your Lord, Ruby.


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