Ruby Baker Stokes

Lamentations 3:22-23 “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

April 21, 1931 – March 26, 2024

Ruby Grey Baker Stokes, 92, passed away on March 26, 2024.

The eldest of three children born to French and Ruth Lipscomb Baker in Buie’s Creek, North Carolina, Ruby Grey was a graduate of Campbell Jr. College, Buie’s Creek, NC and Flora MacDonald College, Red Springs, NC with a Bachelor of Science in Music as well as a Master of Religious Education (MRE) from Carver School of Social Work, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY. A consummate musician, she played piano with grace and skill until age 91 when Alzheimer’s rendered her unable. Always intellectually curious, she was a lifelong learner, voracious reader and exceptional writer with particular interest in theology, Biblical studies and World War II history – often reminiscing about growing up during “the war years”.

Ruby served churches in North Carolina, Georgia and Germany as a pianist, organist, choir member and director, pastor’s wife and Bible teacher. She worked professionally as a music teacher, elementary classroom teacher and social worker. In these roles, she never sought accolades or center stage. Her life was truly one of quiet service, gladly lending support and encouragement to the aid and advancement of others.

In addition to her parents, Ruby was preceded in death by her siblings and their spouses, Marian Baker Meyer (Johnny) and Jimmy Thomas Baker (Vanda) and her former spouse, Louis T. Stokes, Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca D. Smith, son-in-law, Robert B. Smith, and grandson, Zachary L. Smith who lovingly called her Nana.

The family wishes to thank the outstanding staff of Authoracare Collective Hospice of Greensboro, NC who provided expert and compassionate care in the last year of her life. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Authoracare Collective, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405 or to her home church, Buie’s Creek First Baptist, Buie’s Creek, NC, P.O. Box 160, Buie’s Creek, NC 27506 which was so dear to her heart.

A graveside service will be conducted at Buie’s Creek Cemetery by Dr. John Rogers at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, 2024.

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