Ruby Mae (Toms) Braithwaite

Ruby Mae Braithwaite, 90, of Hagerstown, Maryland, departed this earthly life on December 28, 2020. She was born November 18, 1930; the daughter of Orpha Buhrman Toms and Ward (Buck) Toms. She is survived by children, Sheila Boyer (Larry), Kathy Parkinson (David), Wayne Smith (Cheryl), Emily Rubeck and Tammy Whetsell (Allen); all of Hagerstown. She is also survived by grandchildren, Tara Gladhill, Krisha Blackburn, Seth Rubeck, Sterling Rubeck, Skylar Whetsell and Braelyn Whetsell; great grandchildren; Ayden Butler and Myla Butler; sisters, Gwendolyn Ridenour of Emmitsburg and Shirley West of Smithsburg; as well as her cat Cleopatra. She was preceded in death in 1995, by her first husband, Elvin Ray Smith, whom she married in 1950. She married her second husband, Donald Braithwaite, of Rapid City, South Dakota in 2001. Donald passed away in 2013. She was also predeceased by beloved daughter, Sharon Ann Smith; sisters, Jean Kapscos and Paulene Hahn and brother, Richard Toms. Ruby graduated from Thurmont High School in June, 1947. She lived and worked in Baltimore, Maryland for several years. She held various jobs over the years and retired from Hagerstown Junior College after many years of employment there. She lived for some time in Lincoln, Nebraska following her retirement and then returned to Hagerstown. She was an avid reader and the author of two books. She wrote many short stories. Several years ago, she won a national short story contest. She was the author of over two hundred poems, many of them published, some in England. For the past several years, some of her poems have been published in the local almanac. She made and sold crafts for many years. She enjoyed sewing, raising flowers, crafts and especially cooking and baking. For years, she baked cookies, pies and cakes for her family and friends. She was a kind and giving person and had a deep faith in God. She witnessed many times to strangers of God’s love and mercy. For years, she prayed for numerous people, many of them calling her on the phone to request prayer. She was always thankful to God for the long life He had given her and also for her family and friends who gave her such joy in this life. Viewing will be Monday, January 4, 2021 from 6-8 PM at J.L. Davis Funeral Home. Doors will open at 12 noon for the convenience of the public. Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at 2PM at the funeral home with Pastor Jonathan D. Laye officiating. Burial will follow at Brown’s Cemetery, Foxville, MD. Masks and social distancing will be observed during the service. The omission of flowers is requested. Arrangements were made by J.L. Davis Funeral Home, Smithsburg, MD and online condolences may be offered at www.jldavisfh.com