Ruby Mae Wallace, born March 28, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, peacefully passed away on February 25, 2026, in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. Ruby lived a life defined by kindness, resilience, faith, and a deep and unwavering love for her family and community.

Though born in Chicago, Ruby’s roots were firmly planted in Cedar Hill, Tennessee, where she was raised on family farmland. Growing up on a farm, she learned early how to grow the food she ate; a skill and value that remained with her throughout her life. Her grandparents, James Northington and Gertrude Northington (Gertie Bradley), who preceded her in death, were profoundly influential in her upbringing and helped shape the strong, nurturing woman she became.

Ruby graduated from Bransford High School in Springfield, Tennessee, where she was honored as Homecoming Queen. Her love for humanity and the arts led to her acceptance into Fisk University.

On November 16, 1957, she married the love of her life, John Raymon Wallace. Together they shared 66 years and 11 months of marriage built on devotion, partnership, and shared adventure.

As an Air Force military wife, Ruby lived a life of movement and discovery. She and John made homes in New York, Maine, Illinois, Florida, North Dakota, Indiana, and Montana, while also traveling abroad to fascinating destinations including Sri Lanka. Ruby loved exploring the world around her, embracing new places and experiences along the way.

Professionally, Ruby worked at Stokely VanCamp, Solo Cup, and later served as an administrator for McMillin Publishing, where she was known for her exceptional organization and dedication.

In 2003, Ruby and John returned home to the very land where her story began; her family property on Kinneys Road in Cedar Hill. The land had been in her family for over 100 years, and Ruby fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing it back. There, she personally designed the home they built together, where they happily spent their retirement years. It became a joyful gathering place for family holidays, celebrations, and friendships.

Ruby was deeply involved in Antioch Baptist Church of Cedar Hill, where her husband faithfully served as Head Deacon. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life.

A true Master Gardener, Ruby loved growing her own fruits and vegetables, a continuation of the lessons she learned in childhood. She found joy in nurturing the land just as she nurtured the people in her life.

Ruby was also a talented seamstress and an exceptional cook and baker. Her famous potato salad, strawberry cake, and carrot cake were staples at family gatherings and football tailgates where she cheered on her son just as she supported all of her children through their activities throughout their lives.

Travel remained one of Ruby’s favorite joys. Among her cherished memories was a special trip to Cancun with John, where they enjoyed peaceful time together reflecting on a lifetime of shared experiences.

Ruby’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She was always present, supportive, encouraging, and celebrating her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in every stage of life.

She is survived by her daughter, Guyton Daniels (Derrick), and son, Raymond Wallace (Joan).

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Derrick J.R. Daniels, Payton Wallace, Tiana Harrison (Arnold II), Kaiya Daniels, and Kiana Daniels; and her great-grandchildren: Briana Idlett, Dawn Burton, Denia Burton, Kayden Hambrick, Audrey Harrison, Sophia Cornelia, Arnold Harrison III, Dylan Parker, Gabriel Campbell-Cornelia, Ashe Harrison, and Titan Daniels.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, James Robert Carnell and Bessie Odessa Northington; daughters, Rosalind Nikita Wallace and Judy Mae Wallace; grandson Vaughn Robert Cornelia; and her beloved grandparents, James Northington and Gertrude Northington (Gertie Bradley).

A visitation to honor Ruby’s memory will be held on March 6, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Springfield Memorial Gardens Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Springfield, Tennessee. A Celebration of Life will follow from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with burial at Wallace Northington Cemetery in Cedar Hill beginning at 3:30 PM.

Ruby Mae Wallace will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her life leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, resilience, and love rooted in the land she cherished and the people she held dear.