Ruby Jo McMahan, age 96, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2023, with her family lovingly by her side.
Ruby Jo was born on July 27, 1926 to Joseph D. and Nettie Smith in Albertville, Alabama. She is reuniting with them in Heaven and is preceded in death by three brothers, Orion Smith (Ruth), Owen Smith (Mimmie), and Woodrow Smith (Lula Mae) as well as two sisters, Annie Lou King (Rollie) and Jessie Jones (Bob). Ruby Jo is survived by her sweet sister, Eula Mae Chaffin (Gid).
Ruby Jo married her loving husband of 64 years, James McMahan, on December 31, 1946. He preceded her in death in 2010. Ruby Jo is preceded in death by brothers-in-law Ray McMahan (Sue) and Wayne McMahan, as well as sisters-in-law Sue Cooley (James) and Betty Wolfroads and parents-in-law, Lee and Ruby McMahan. Ruby Jo is survived by sisters-in-law Nell Presley (Kenneth) and Judy Allen.
Ruby Jo was a wonderful and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is preceded in death by her loving son, Craig McMahan (Donilda) and survived by her daughters who loved her so much, Gail Long (Dennis) and Kristi McCarthy (Chris). Many wonderful memories were made with her grandchildren who she loved so much: Jamie Champagne (Andre), Kelli Bjornstad (Randy), Kevin McMahan, Brandon Long, Meghan McCarthy, and Kathleen McCarthy.
Ruby Jo had six great-grandchildren: Emma Bjornstad, Dreson Champagne, Davis Bjornstad, Brianna McMahan, Houston Bjornstad and Emerson Champagne. Ruby Jo had many loving nieces, nephews and cousins she shared her life with. She loved them very much.
Ruby Jo was preceded in death by her very special friends, Hassie and Marshall Moon as well as Jack McCarthy. She is survived by her very special friend, Trish McCarthy, as well as her “other daughter,” Marsha Williams (Phillip).
Ruby Jo was a member of White Springs Baptist Church for years and attended Riverview Baptist Church until COVID-19 prevented her from going. She enjoyed reading her Bible, vacations at the beach, Alabama football games, Braves baseball games, traveling across the country, working cryptograms and crossword puzzles, playing Rook and spending as much time with her family as possible.
Ruby Jo lived a wonderful, faithful, and humble life and made a great impact on all who crossed paths with her. She was a living testimony of love and goodness. However, if she were reading these praises, she would shake her head, giggle, and say, “Oh, my country tis of thee!”
A funeral service honoring Ruby Jo was held at Collier-Butler Funeral Home in Gadsden on Thursday, July 13. Burial followed at Williams Southside Cemetery. Pallbearers were Dennis Long, Chris McCarthy, Kevin McMahan, Brandon Long, Dreson Champagne and Randy Bjornstad.
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