Ruby Blackburn Lambert

Ruby Blackburn Lambert passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 surrounded by the love of family.  Throughout her life she was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and an inspiration to all.

Born on October 14, 1920 in Lambsburg, VA to Rufus and Hettie Blackburn, she was the eldest daughter of six children.  She learned at an early age to love and serve her family.  Her parents worked in agriculture and she spent her childhood on various farms in the foothills of North Carolina and Virginia. 

On June 28, 1941 she married the love of her life, Fred Lester Lambert, Sr.  They raised three adored children, Arlette, Fred Jr. and Jim in Mount Airy, NC.  Ruby was always a hard worker in and out of the home.  Together she and Fred truly epitomized the Greatest Generation. They both endured the Great Depression as children and sacrificed during World War II in their early marriage.  Ruby cared for their young children at home while Fred served our country in France and Belgium.  After the war, they worked hand in hand to build successful careers while raising a loving Christian family.  Ruby worked as an executive secretary for 29 years at Quality Mills where she honed her skills and expertise at writing letters and documents, typing and her well-known short-hand.

Her agricultural upbringing gave her a true green-thumb and she was an avid gardener of flowers, fruits and vegetables.  Ruby used the fruits of her labor to prepare delicious meals for family and friends.  She canned and preserved a variety of foods and never let anything go to waste.  She was proud of her waste-not, frugal spirit and it served her well throughout her life.  She loved inviting people into her home for food and fellowship and the many guests who were blessed to join her over the years were sure to enjoy delicious homemade food, amazing stories and unwavering hospitality.

Ruby was an avid writer and historian who loved to write the stories of her own life and family and that of her ancestors.  She could often be found typing away at her typewriter and later, computer, to document her memories and research.  Her family often received notebooks full of her stories and history which will be cherished gifts to carry her memories and storytelling for generations to come.  She also enjoyed writing inspirational messages of joy to share with friends and family, especially her annual missions letters for the Central United Methodist Women and prayers for loved ones near and far.

Ruby had a steadfast faith that carried her throughout her life.  She was an active church member who served on various prayer groups, committees and the United Methodist Women.  She enjoyed supporting missions of the church, Habitat for Humanity and many other organizations through her prayers, gifts and service. 

When asked about her secret of long life, Ruby always credited her joy.  Her infectious smile, abiding faith, and eternal love are evidence of this joy, which she radiated all the days of her life.  She was ready to receive God’s promise of eternal life and will rejoice in his love forever.

Ruby was preceded in death by her loyal husband, Fred Sr., son, Fred Jr., parents Rufus and Hettie Blackburn, brothers Ed Blackburn, Gene Blackburn and Donald Blackburn.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Arlette and Douglas Porter, Sr. and son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Mary Lambert, all of Mount Airy, NC; Grandchildren, Dr. Andrea Kittrell, Douglas Jr. and Meghann Porter, Amanda Miller and Cornelia and Michael Rotjan, Luke and Jamie Lambert, Emily and Shane Dunlevy; Great-grandchildren, Allie Kittrell, Anna Claire and Adam Vaughan, Elizabeth Kittrell, Will Kittrell, Cooper Porter, Coralee Porter, Waylon Lambert, Cade Lambert, RubyLynn Lambert, Malcolm Dunlevy, Ronan Dunlevy and Colman Dunlevy.  She is also survived by her sister Marilyn Ledford and brother Gilmer (Martha) Blackburn.

Mrs. Lambert’s family is thankful for the loving staff at Arbor Acres in Winston Salem, NC for the phenomenal care given to Ruby throughout her time there.

A Celebration of Life for Ruby will be held on December 30. 2023 at 2:00 pm at Central United Methodist Church in Mount Airy, NC.  A reception will be held in the Fellowship Hall following the service. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Ruby’s memory to Central United Methodist Church, 1909 N. Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030 or Arbor Acres Foundation, 1240 Arbor Road, Winston Salem, NC 27104.