Ruby Franscine Wilburn

Ruby Franscine Wilburn was born October 17, 1939, in Chestnut Mountain, Hall County, Georgia. She was the first of eight children born to the union of the late Hubert and Mildred (nee. Adams) Millsap. She quietly slept away from this earthly life on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the Waters of Fort Wayne in Indiana to live with our Lord and Savior forever. She accepted Christ at an early age at the Cross Plains Baptist Church and was very fond of the late Rev. W.H. Coverson. She attended Greater Timber Ridge and St, John Baptist Churches and later in life the Antioch Baptist Church on occasions. She enjoyed the sermons and fellowship of Reverends Eugene Green and Rodney Lackey, Sr. Ms. Ruby, as she was known by many, attended Mt. Zion Church School, Northwestern Baptist and Fair Street Schools. She worked several jobs in her life span including Mar-Jac Poultry and others, Leece-Neville Corporation and retiring from Wrigley’s Chewing Gum Factory in 2000, She had many hobbies such as word finds, shopping, traveling, sewing, crocheting, upholstering, crafting, making floral arrangements, and of course baking, most were fans of her Key Lime and Carmel Iced Cakes. But my favorite was the German Chocolate that I received on every birthday. We shared many times decorating specialty cakes; she was the baker and I the decorator. But, like most moms’ she was a great cook, and her potato salad, greens, cabbage and cornbread were the best. She made sure everyone had a plate, and most of the time delivering it herself. She was a lady on the go. Mom also loved music, Rhythm & Blues and Black Gospel. She was talented, petite, soft-spoken, patient, independent, about business and firm in her convictions. She was a great provider and supporter of her family. She loved her grandchildren. If she thought, you needed it you had it. She did not believe in making differences in anyone. She sacrificed a lot of time to make sure others had. If she went out to eat, so did you, and she paid for it. While shopping if it was in multiple colors and she really liked it, she bought every color and possibly a set for you. She was always taking someone somewhere, running an errand or picking them up. Mom was a great seamstress, hostess and salesperson. Many people came to the home for alterations, or bringing a pattern and materials (fabric) for outfits tailored by her. Lots of parties and family get togethers, over the years with Sarah Coventry Jewelry, Amway and Tupperware parties in the 70’s were held in the home along with a wedding or two on the patio. She also was a great Bid Whiz card player. Ruby was married to the late Winfred Nathaniel Wilburn for 38 years before his untimely passing in 2000. Preceding her also in death were her son, the Rev. Freddie Lamar Millsap, brothers, Salathiel, Douglas MacArthur “Doug”, James Clyde “Pee Wee”, Dariel and Lamar Millsap; a sister, Malbree (Robert Willie - deceased) Davenport; half-brother, James Edward “Bug” Lipscomb; sisters-in-law, Margaret Clarke and Hazel B. Wilburn; a nephew; Stacey Millsap; a niece, Mercia and Roshea Millsap; father & mother in-law, Leadus & Estella (nee. Pace) Wilburn; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Her grandparents, Momma and Papa, as she would tell stories of them, Pearlie (nee. Chandler) & James Adams; and Sam & Bessie (nee. Dowdy) Millsap. Ruby leaves a legacy of love, devotion and many precious memories to her son, Reggie Wilburn (Lois Johnson, Shoclynn Williams, Alivia and Aly Celaya who cared for and visited her in her last days.) grandsons, Lawrence N. (Natasha) Wilburn & Brandon T. Wilburn; her sisters, Beverly Jo Millsap, Betty (Matthew, Sr. deceased) Hopkins, and Annie R. Lipscomb; sisters-in-law, Juanita and Charlette Millsap; brother-in-law, Edward Clarke; special friends, Wyvonnia Lipscomb, Pamela Beasley, Glenda Stowe, Dorothy Lyles, Gail Hiles and families; several nieces, nephews, a host of cousins, other dear and close friends.

Ruby Franscine Wilburn

October 17, 1939 - July 15, 2025