Ruby Denise (Brown)  Wright, affectionately known as “China” was called from this life with her family by her side, on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at approximately 5:25AM at Palmetto Baptist Hospital in Columbia, SC.

She was born on April 5, 1965 in Birmingham, AL to the union of Walter and Elizabeth (Freeman) Brown Sr.; both parents preceded her in death.

While residing in Lima, Ohio she was a member of The Philippian Missionary Baptist Church, after relocating to Columbia, S.C. she attended church services regularly. 

 She was previously married to Eric D. Wright; this union produced two daughters; Shawntel M. Wright of Columbus, OH and Erica N. (Michael) Roberts of Columbia, SC.

Ruby graduated with the “Class of 83’ at Lima Senior High School.  After graduation, she immediately entered the workforce. She previously worked at Shawnee Manor and DTR Corporation.

After spending most of her adolescent and adult life in Lima, Ruby decided that she wanted a change and moved to Columbia, SC in 2012. She was employed at Citi Trends & Walmart.

In addition to being a loving mother, (walking in the footprints of her namesake), Ruby was a very loyal and dependable woman to her family and friends. She was a shoulder to lean on or simply an ear to listen. She shared her strength as well as her compassion for others.  Although she was small in stature, Ruby loved with a huge heart. She also had an infectious laugh that all who knew her adored. 

Ruby loved to travel with her girlfriends. She enjoyed her life but always would come back home to visit with friends and family. 

In addition to her lovely daughters, Ruby leaves to cherish her memory a companion Ronald Ragland of Columbia, SC , a brother Walter Curtis (Margo) Brown Jr. of Lima, Oh. Her granddaughter, Ja’Kahla Denise Wright-Boddie of Columbus, Oh. a Godson Jubber Jefferson of Ft. Wayne, IN.  2 Aunts: Shirley (John) Freeman Henderson, Delois Lewis and an uncle Jimmie L. (Regina) Freeman, all of Lima. A nephew Walter “Red” Brown III of Lima, a niece Monique Brown of Columbus, Oh. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and girlfriends who loved her dearly.

Ruby was also preceded in death by her maternal grandparents; Jimmie and Ruby (Johnson) Freeman Jr. Paternal grandmother;r Mary Brown, paternal grandfather; Walter “Blue”  Brown Sr. An uncle; Luther Curtis Brown, and an aunt; Dorothy Jean Jones.

Home going services will be held Monday, April 17, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. at the Philippian Missionary Baptist Church with Dr. B. LaMont Monford Sr., officiating.

Visitation/wake services will be held on Monday, April 17, 2017 at the church 10:00 a.m -12:00 p.m.

 Service Information