EMPORIA-Ruby Harrelson passed away peacefully with her family by her side on August 28, 2013 in Southampton Memorial Hospital. Ruby was a lifelong resident of Virginia and had a home in North Carolina as well. She was retired from the City of Hampton School Systems.

Ruby is preceded in death by her husband, Frank W. Harrelson of Hampton, VA; son, Robert Scott Harrelson of Hampton, VA and sisters, Shirley Bishop Spain and Doris Bishop Baguss of Virginia.

Survivors include her daughters, Debbie Ricks of Boykins, VA and Sharon Harrelson Brown of Chase City, VA; sisters, Faye Bishop Hawkins and Linda Bishop Woodruff, both of Emporia, VA. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Randy Ricks of Franklin, VA, Brad Ricks of Zuni, VA, Timothy Brown of Chase City, VA, Sean Scott Harrelson of Williamsburg, VA and her great-grandchildren, Tyler and Morgan Ricks of Franklin, VA and Wells Ricks of Zuni, VA.

Ruby was a strong, independent, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She wanted those who knew her to remember her as such, therefore, she requested that there not be a viewing but a memorial service to be held to celebrate her life. She wanted us to share our fond memories of her life with laughter and yes, some tears. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

The celebration of her life will be held at 2 PM Saturday, August 31, at Wright Funeral Home, Franklin, VA. www.wrightfuneralhome.org