Ruby Elaine Hamilton
January 26, 1944 ~ November 4, 2020
On Wednesday November 4th, 2020, Ruby Hamilton, an adoring and loving mother, sister, aunt and friend, suddenly passed away at the age of 76.
Ruby was born in Richmond, Virginia to Charles and Mattie Harris on January 26th, 1944. Ruby moved to Reston in 1979, and quickly called it home. She was an active member in her church and community, where she lent countless hours of her time volunteering with local programs for the empowerment and the increased diversity of her neighborhood.
Ruby had two children, Sekou Touré Hamilton(deceased) and Shola Hamilton of Reston, Virginia. As a single mother, she wore various hats to head the household and constantly put the wants and needs of her children before her own. Growing up, both Sekou and Shola were active in sports, and Ruby quickly embraced the role “sports mom”. Ruby participated in food drives, fundraisers and various PTA events in order to stay active and involved in her children’s schools and made sure she was on the sideline for every basketball, baseball and soccer game; no matter what the weather, no matter what the day. Ruby was determined to see her children get a better life and she succeeded.
She was a member of the Community of All People United Church of Christ, as well as an Associate Member of the United Christian Parish (UCP) church, both of Reston, Virginia. After her retirement from the National Academy of Sciences, Ruby quickly found retirement life, a bit of a bore. So, Ruby filled her time volunteering within her community. Twice a week, you could catch Ruby lending a helping hand at The Closet, a local nonprofit thrift shop of Herndon, Virginia where, sometimes, she would find hidden treasures to decorate her home or toys to spoil her dog, Ramsey, with. She was also a proud and dependable member of the National Council of Negro Women helping each Christmas collecting toys for the Toys for Tots, program. At the close of the summer, Ruby was actively involved with the Works Sunday program, where faith communities from the Reston, Herndon, and Sterling areas, come together to provide hands on services for projects within the community. Ruby was the co-chair for the worship service at the Lake Anne Fellowship House which provided company, laughter and meals for the senior residents.
Ruby is survived by her loving daughter, Shola and her loyal dog, Ramsey; sister and brother-in-law, Rita and William Parker; niece, Andrea Wilhite; nephews, Nigel Parker, Tobias and Terrell Harris and Randy Harris; as well as an insurmountable number cousins who saw her more as a sister or aunt. Her love, warmth and commitment to her family, friends and church expand decades and will be forever felt.
Ruby was born in Richmond, Virginia to Charles and Mattie Harris on January 26th, 1944. Ruby moved to Reston in 1979, and quickly called it home. She was an active member in her church and community, where she lent countless hours of her time volunteering with local programs for the empowerment and the increased diversity of her neighborhood.
Ruby had two children, Sekou Touré Hamilton(deceased) and Shola Hamilton of Reston, Virginia. As a single mother, she wore various hats to head the household and constantly put the wants and needs of her children before her own. Growing up, both Sekou and Shola were active in sports, and Ruby quickly embraced the role “sports mom”. Ruby participated in food drives, fundraisers and various PTA events in order to stay active and involved in her children’s schools and made sure she was on the sideline for every basketball, baseball and soccer game; no matter what the weather, no matter what the day. Ruby was determined to see her children get a better life and she succeeded.
She was a member of the Community of All People United Church of Christ, as well as an Associate Member of the United Christian Parish (UCP) church, both of Reston, Virginia. After her retirement from the National Academy of Sciences, Ruby quickly found retirement life, a bit of a bore. So, Ruby filled her time volunteering within her community. Twice a week, you could catch Ruby lending a helping hand at The Closet, a local nonprofit thrift shop of Herndon, Virginia where, sometimes, she would find hidden treasures to decorate her home or toys to spoil her dog, Ramsey, with. She was also a proud and dependable member of the National Council of Negro Women helping each Christmas collecting toys for the Toys for Tots, program. At the close of the summer, Ruby was actively involved with the Works Sunday program, where faith communities from the Reston, Herndon, and Sterling areas, come together to provide hands on services for projects within the community. Ruby was the co-chair for the worship service at the Lake Anne Fellowship House which provided company, laughter and meals for the senior residents.
Ruby is survived by her loving daughter, Shola and her loyal dog, Ramsey; sister and brother-in-law, Rita and William Parker; niece, Andrea Wilhite; nephews, Nigel Parker, Tobias and Terrell Harris and Randy Harris; as well as an insurmountable number cousins who saw her more as a sister or aunt. Her love, warmth and commitment to her family, friends and church expand decades and will be forever felt.
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The Owners and Staff at the Money and King Funeral Home, wish to express our sincere sympathy to you. It is our hope that we may be able to make a difficult time more bearable. Please feel free to call us anytime as we are always available to you. Bob Gallagher Funeral Director
Ruby and I sat together each Sunday in church and exercised at Silver Sneakers in Reston. She and I put up a Christmas tree at church where we gathered gift cards for the Lake Anne Fellowship House. Ruby was always willing to help. She will really be missed. Barbara Schell
I will miss Ruby’s smile and the chats we had when our paths happened to cross in the neighborhood parking lot. It was particularly nice when there was snow and we were both out shoveling at the same time. Gave us an excuse to take a break and enjoy each other’s company for a while. Ruby, a kind lady with a sweet soul. Pauline Reid
Shola, you have my deepest condolences on the passing of your mother. May God comfort you as you move through this sad time. Love, Mrs. Sherman
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Ruby’s passing. I will always remember her as a kind, positive person. My condolences to Shola and other members of Ruby’s family.
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Ruby was a special person.
As a friend and member of United Christian Parish, I share the deep sadness the family feels and extend my condolence. Ruby was a kind, generous, loyal, beautiful Christian woman who will be missed. Sincerely, Menda Ahart.
Shola, as a friend to and a church member of your mother, I would like to extend to you and your family my condolences on Ruby’s recent sudden passing. Ruby was a beautiful person and a faithful member of our church (Community of All People United Church Christ). I know this has been a trying year for you so far, however, may God comfort you in particular and give you the courage to move forward in the coming days. Love to You Archie Robinson
In honor of a faithful member of Community of All People United Church of Christ – Ruby, our thoughts and prayers are with you
Our deepest condolences to the family of Ruby Hamilton, a beloved and devoted friend and member of the United Christian Parish of Reston. Ruby’s generous spirit and value of helping others will always be a part of our memory of her. It is with heartfelt sympathy that we grieve with the family on the loss of our loving sister in Christ. May her memory live in our church family always. In God’s grace and blessings. Sonja Vaughan and Alexis Vaughan Kassim
I have only beautiful and loving memories of my dear cousin “AUNT” Ruby. She had an affectious personality. Everyone loved being around her. She encouraged me and always was interested in my progress as a young woman growing up. She supported and enjoyed our family gatherings, family reunions. She was a leader in our big family. She was that virtuous woman, which the Bible tells about. I will always love and cherish everything she had contributed to me. A JEWEL , AUNT Ruby truly was and always will be in my life. Love, Barbara Ann
Shola, I send to you my deepest condolences on the passing of your mother. Your mother embraced me from the moment I was introduced to her. She always relished in you and your brother’s accomplishments. She is a light of love that will forever shine in my heart. Thank you for being an Aunt Ruby to me too. Darryl M. Coleman
Dear Shola and family, I’m sending my condolences to you. I’m sorry for your loss; by all the loving comments and stories my mom and grandmother have told me, let me acknowledge how wonderful and how beautiful of a spirit aunt Ruby had.
With heartfelt condolences, on the loss of my friend Ruby.
To Shola and the Family, Thank you for sharing Ruby with us. She was a true and precious jewel of a person. Her quiet strength and strong faith were evident in her life. Her commitment to you and your brother and other family was evident. She was always giving of her time and talents to help and serve her community. What a true witness of her faith which centered her. We are all saddened by her certain passing, but hopeful in the promise we will certainly see her again. Be encouraged by this promise, her legacy and those precious memories you have with her. To God be the glory for an amazing and blessed person!
A very sweet loving woman. Ruby was always ready to help and support others. The world is a better place for her life.
My condolences to Shola and the family from Ruby’s N-Sister, Alicia Cohen. I will always remember Ruby’s welcoming smile when I joined NCNW. Peace.
I send my deepest sympathy to Ruby’s family for the loss of someone whom you love so much. As a member of UCP, I will always remember Ruby for her smile, warm greetings, positive personality, and dedication to her church and community. I’ll remember how fun and easy it was to work with her as we served the evening meal at the Hypothermia Shelter. I’m sorry that with this pandemic, I was not able to attend her service, but I did watch online. I saw the testaments of how much Ruby meant to her family and friends. I will miss her when the time comes when we return to regular church services.
Ruby and I always laughed at what our children said. We laughed even harder when they said something that was to matured for their age. Thelma Calbert
My condolences to Ruby’s family. I will miss her warm smiles and sense of humor. She helped me get through so much when we worked together. She always shared events with me and volunteered more than anyone! I love you Ruby! See you in Glory! Angela Bradley Ashburn, VA
Ms. Ruby and my mother, Marian Ballard (1945-2007) were good friends at the “Academy”. I was child then, but I remember her when she was pregnant with her daughter, Shola. She was a beautiful woman, very loving, and kind. I have thought of her often and am sad to just be learning of her passing.
Peace & blessings to you, Shola.