Ruby Lee Darby

Dr. Ruby Lee Darby 73, of Charlotte, NC. passed away Sunday, January 5, 2019 at Levine and Dickson Hospice House- Aldersgate Charlotte,NC. Funeral service will be held Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Reeder Memorial Missionary Baptist Church 3725 Beatties Ford Rd. Charlotte, NC 28216. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am and the service will follow at 12:00 pm. Interment will be in the Sunset Memory Gardens 8901 Lawyers Rd. Charlotte, NC 28227.

Our beloved Ruby Lee Darby of Charlotte, NC departed this life on January 5^th, 2019 at Levine Dickson Hospice House.

Ruby Darby was born on June 17, 1945 in Chester, South Carolina to the late Frank Johnson and Luella Darby Johnson

She was preceded in death by her Grandmother Ella Darby and Grandfather Murray Darby.

Ruby received her education at York Road High School and graduated in 1963.  Ruby then attended Bands Beauty College, passed the State Board of Cosmetic Arts Exam and began her career as a Cosmetologist.  After many years of working with Williams Studio, Ruby decided it was time to venture out on her own.  It was in 1980 that she opened LaRue’s Hair Palace on Statesville Avenue with 4 booths.  After several years, the salon was growing and had to move to a larger location.  She increased her booths to 6 and the business continued to grow and be successful. It was in February 2002; Ruby purchased the building at 1001 Beatties Ford Road and made her dream to not only have a successful salon but to own her own building.

Ruby was not only a great Salon manager, she join Cosmetology Chapter #4 of Charlotte and began continuing Education classes as a professional   Cosmetologist.  She was a very active member in her Chapter for over 50 years.  Her most current position was Treasurer and Chairperson of Fund-Raising. Ms. Darby would open her salon every 4^th Monday for the Chapter to have a monthly meeting.

She was also a member of the North Carolina State Beauticians and Cosmetologists Association, Inc.  In the State Association, Ruby had been the President of the Junior Executive Board for over 12 years, Co-Chair of the State Models, Representative in the Youth for Beauty Pageant, Board of Directors member, Sassy Senior and Chosen 25 member.

Dr. Darby was also an active member of the National Beauty Culturists League, Inc. for over 40 years.  She earned her Doctrine Degree in July 2008.  She was a member of the Over-Sight committee, Youth for Beauty and a member of Theta Nu Sigma National Sorority.  In 2015, she was crowned Queen of the Institute in Alexandria, Virginia.

Ruby also served on the York Road Alumni Association, planning fish fry’s, bus trips for scholarships and class reunions.

Ruby was a very active member of her Temple Chapel Baptist, she served as President of the Youth Usher Board, Cheerful Workers, Kitchen Committee, and was also a member the choir.  Ruby would always go the extra mile for her church family.

Ruby leaves to cherish her memories: a son, Aurelio “Rod” Darby of Charlotte; the love of her life, one grandson Jordan Smith; three sisters; Minister Bessie Massey (Rev. Henry) of Winston Salem, NC.  Janie Dye (John) of Fairfield, Alabama, Betty Dixon of Chester, SC; Three brothers; Frank Johnson of Charlotte;  Clarence Walls (Millicent) of Charlotte, Mannie Vance Jr. (Mary) of Chester, SC., and a host of cousins and friends.  Special friend Edward Gregory.  Longtime friends Barbara Hendrix, Patricia “Lena” Williams, Shirley McManus Sands, Barbara Head, Tony Withers, Beverly Macon and Loretta Miller