Ruby Jones Byrd

Ruby Jones Byrd, 85, of Newnan passed away on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Born on October 24, 1939 in Casa, Arkansas, she was the daughter of the late Millard Bernard Jones and Mazie Robinson Jones. Her family lived in various places over her childhood, including Northern California during World War II. Ruby's family returned to Arkansas, where she met Charlie Byrd at Ouachita College, and they married and moved to Columbus, Georgia in 1960. While there, Ruby finished her undergraduate degree at Auburn University. Her eldest children, Charles and Robin, were both born in Columbus. The Byrds then moved to Newnan in 1972 where her younger children, David and Christy, were later born. Ruby finished her Master's at West Georgia University. Ruby and Charlie raised their family at First Baptist Church in Newnan. She was a lifelong educator in the Coweta County School System, teaching at various schools in the community, and was recognized as Coweta County Teacher of the Year. As an elementary teacher and lead teacher, Ruby was committed to helping children learn and touched many lives over the years. Ruby died on Mother's Day weekend after a long struggle with dementia. She had survived her husband, Charlie, by 26 years and five days. Still, her family remembers Ruby as a Southern lady with an indefatigable spirit of optimism, a contagious joy, and a home that was always open to family. She traveled widely in her lifetime. She was an amateur genealogist, a fan of the Atlanta Braves, and an avid gardener. Ruby was a committed woman of faith who loved her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her son, Rev. Charles A. Byrd; her daughter, Robin Byrd Goad and husband, Dean, and their three children, Sydney, Dean, and Rubylyn; her son, David Byrd and his daughters, Elizabeth and Emma; and her daughter, Christy Collins and husband, Ricky, and their children, Thomas and Savannah. Among the last to see her were her sitter, Zelda Huston, who was so devoted to her care, and Mr. Cliff Stephens, a long-time friend, who was so lovingly committed to her well-being. Ruby will be laid to rest with her husband, Charlie, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Newnan. The family will receive friends from 6 - 8 pm on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory, 38 Jackson St., Newnan. Funeral services will be held in the chapel of McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory on Friday, May 16, 2025 at 2:00 pm. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory, 770-253-4580

Ruby Jones Byrd

October 24, 1939 - May 10, 2025