After living life to its fullest for 98 years, Ruby Anne Oliver Abbott passed away on Saturday, July 31, 2021.
Ruby Anne Maynard Oliver was born July 17, 1923 to James P. Oliver and Ruby Brown Oliver in the Coke section of Gloucester County, Va. She was the seventh of 10 children born into the family. She culminated her growing years by being selected as Valedictorian of her senior class. However, she did not deliver a graduation speech as she chose that day to “escape” to North Carolina to elope. She was the last surviving member of the Botetourt High School Class of 1941.

In June of 1941, she married the love of her life Buford W. Abbott. She always said, “It truly was love at first sight.” They shared two sons and 67 years together until Buford’s passing in 2009.

Ruby Anne was preceded in death by her husband, Buford W. Abbott; her sons, B. Wesley Abbott Jr. and Robert Earl Abbott; siblings, E. Katherine Lindsay, James P. Oliver Jr., Fred J. Oliver, Franklin E. Oliver, Davis R. Oliver, Lydia O. Rilee, Virginia O. Jenkins, Sara Frances Hubley, and Carleton L. Oliver.

Ruby Anne retired in 1978 after a 27-year career at the Fort Monroe Data Control Center. Ruby Anne and Buford spent much of their retirement years going on fishing and boating trips on the Chesapeake Bay. They also traveled extensively throughout the Southern U.S.

Ruby Anne was an 80-year resident of the City of Hampton and one of the first and the long-est living residents at the Mill Point condominium complex. She loved sitting in her recliner and watching the boats pass by while, at the same time, watching the birds perched and pecking away on her birdfeeder. They hardily ate the suet that she faithfully made sure was awaiting them each day.

Ruby Anne’s one claim to fame was being pictured in the May 1942 edition of National Geographic magazine in an article featuring daffodils in Gloucester County.

Ruby Anne had an amazing memory. She could hold her nieces and nephews spellbound and in awe of her ability to recall family history, dates, and stories. She could easily recall birthdays, anniversaries and important dates without ever having to look them up. She was a crossword puzzle whiz and at the age of 90 learned to do Sudoku puzzles.

Among Ruby Anne’s attributes was her kindness and generosity. She was always sensitive to the needs of others. Most of all, her nieces and nephews will remember her grace and elegance. She would never go out into public without making sure every piece of her attire was perfectly ironed and that every aspect was color coordinated (even down to choosing “the right color” of walking cane). She was loved greatly and will be greatly missed.

The family extends a special gratitude to Trish Chatman for her years of friendship, caring, and for being a wonderful helpmate to Ruby Anne. Also, our deepest gratitude to all the special friends that faithfully called upon her and checked on her well-being.

The family will receive friends at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, Va. 23666. A Celebration of Life service will begin at 11 a.m. with burial to follow at Parklawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Beech Grove Baptist Church, P.O. Box 468, White Marsh, Va. 23183 or Victory Baptist Church, 445 Shelton Road, Hampton, Va. 23663. Or, please make a memorial donation to the charity of your choice.

Friends are encouraged to visit parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.