Ruby Jane Jones

Ruby Jane Jones was born on Tuesday, January 10, 1950 in Beckley, West Virginia, and departed this life unexpectedly, on Sunday, November 8, 2020. She was 70 years of age. Ruby was a graduate of West Virginia State College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music and The Ohio State University, where she earned a Master’s Degree, also in Music. She was a proud member of the esteemed Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and was beloved by her Sorors. Ruby taught instrumental music for 35 years in the Columbus Public School System, and has been remembered over decades by countless students. Ruby was an avid reader, enjoyed doing one thousand-piece puzzles, playing games on her iPhone, and loved watching TV, especially the Twilight series and animated movies. Ruby was a second-degree black belt from Ernie Reyes’ Midwest Institute of Taekwondo. She had to break bricks and walk across hot coals! Her love for Martial Arts impacted her sons so much so that Michael is a first-degree black belt, and Otis and his sons are currently involved in Karate. Ruby was a longstanding member of New Salem Baptist Church, before transitioning her membership to Advent United Church of Christ, where she was especially proud to worship with her son, Colin, and daughter-in-law, Imani, who serve as the pastors. At Advent, Ruby was affectionately known as ‘Mother Jones,’ and was cherished by all. Ruby loved to laugh, had a smile that would light up any room, and was one of the sweetest and kindest people anyone could meet. She loved her family and went above and beyond to provide for each of her sons at every stage of their lives. Ruby was preceded in death by her beloved mother and father, George Wesley and Ruby Jane Coats; her brother, James “Jimmy” Coats; and husband, Otis Z. Jones, Sr. She leaves to cherish her memory three sons, Otis Z. (Sharon L.) Jones II, Colin A. (Imani) Jones, and Michael A. Jones; five grandchildren, Tyshon S. Holden, Dominique S. Jones, Daniel L. Jones, Colin A. Jones II, and Nathaniel S. Jones; nieces, Veronica (William) Haskins and Azure Spain; nephews, Michael Spain and Chris Spain; great nieces, Chante Spain, Kadijah Payne, and Isabella Spain; great nephew, Brandon Leath; and a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.