July 2, 1930 – Oct. 16, 2017

 

NATCHEZ — Memorial services celebrating the life of Ruby Mae Havard, 87, who died Monday, Oct. 16, 2017, at her residence following a brief illness, will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Laird Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. James Messer officiating.    

Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. until service time Thursday at the funeral home.

Mrs. Havard was born July 2, 1930, the second of 12 children.  On March 29, 1952, she married William Eugene “Billy Gene” Havard and settled in Natchez where they raised their four children.

She was a member of Highland Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school for a number of years.

Ruby enjoyed doing a variety of things, including gardening, quilting, shelling pecans and travelling.  She also enjoyed country and Christian music.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Billy Gene; one son, David Havard; her parents, John and Rosie Freeman; two brothers, Ben and Ralph Freeman; and one sister, Maggie Sanders.

Survivors include two daughters, Marilyn Campbell and Cheryl Harrell and husband, Gordon;

one son, Greg Havard and wife, Bridgette; 10 grandchildren including grandson Jeffrey Havard who was raised by his grandparents; and a number of great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers honored to serve will be Brandon Campbell, Brian Havard, Kevin Havard, Leyton Harris, RV Arnold, Malcolm Small, Wayne Durham and Christopher Turner.

The Havard family would like to thank Gloria Middleton, Compassus Hospice, and Stahome Home Health for all the care they gave during her final days.

MAMA – although we’ll miss your sweet smile and your giving heart, you’re at rest with the Lord.  We will see you in Heaven!!

Online condolences may be sent to lairdfh.com.