Ruby L. Alston

Ruby Lee Alston

Ruby Lee Griffin Alston, age 77, of Charlotte, NC, peacefully passed away from natural causes on July 27, 2024, at Atrium Medical Center. Born on August 31, 1946, in Chicago, IL, to Nancy Lee Sparks Tanner and Harry Cook Tanner, Ruby lived a life defined by love, dedication, and service to others.

Ruby's educational journey included a degree in Hospitality Administration from IVY Tech in Indianapolis, IN, a Real Estate Agent License, and a Seamstress Apprenticeship. Her career was marked by roles at Marriott Assisted Living Facilities as a Chef in Indianapolis, IN, Assistant Kitchen Manager in Charlotte, NC, and Dining Services Manager in Greenville, SC. She also worked as a Steel Worker at US Steel and a Food Services Associate at Harris Teeter.

An avid reader and Jeopardy fan, Ruby had a passion for cooking, interior decorating, and sewing, especially clothes and home décor. Her creativity and love for making life beautiful touched everyone around her.

Ruby was a loving mother, granny, sister, aunt, and friend. She showed her love in countless ways, especially by taking care of her daughters so well that they never realized they were not wealthy. Ruby worked tirelessly and always taught her daughters to be ladies. She often quoted, "Don't take any wooden nickels," and spoke of her special relationship with God. Direct, opinionated, and invariably the smartest person in the room, Ruby's warmth, wisdom, and generosity left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Predeceased by her parents, Nancy Lee Tanner and Harry Cook Tanner, and her siblings Rev. Nathaniel Griffin, Tommy Griffin, Avery Tanner, Vicky Small, and former spouse Lamont Alston, Ruby's legacy lives on through her surviving family. She leaves behind her sister Paula Mills, and sister in love, Rosemary Griffin. Her daughters, Tracy Kennedy (Jesse) and Sonia Russell (Harry), her grandchildren Xavier Avery Russell, Xion Jesse Russell, “CJ” Cavin J. Kennedy, and Natasha Kennedy, and her great-granddaughter Amora Russell will forever cherish her memory. Ruby also leaves behind siblings-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and coworkers, each of whom held a special place in her heart. Among her many nieces and nephews are Rev. Richard Griffin; Sohna Duff (Myron), Nancy Shannon; Leah Williams, Denise Williams; Ruby Oglesby (Kenneth); Frank Williams; Michelle Bridges (Tranell); Shana Williams; Calvin Mack; Billy Mack (Maria); James Mack (Jennifer); Nicole Mack; William Tanner; and Ona Anthony.

Visitation will be held on August 4, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Alexander Funeral Home, 1424 Statesville Ave. Charlotte, NC 28206 followed by funeral services at 3:00 PM at the same location. A Celebration of Life reception will follow from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Superstarz CLT - R&B, located at 935 Summit Ave, Charlotte, NC 28208.

If you choose, please send plants instead of flowers. Ruby loved plants, this is a wonderful way to celebrate her life and legacy. Ruby Lee Alston's legacy of love, wisdom, and service will continue to inspire all blessed to know her.