Ruby Cooey

Ruby Doris Cooey (86) passed on August 14, 2019. Predeceased by husband, Fenway Cooey(1988), son Russell Cooey(2009), and brother Arnold Higginbotham(1995). She is survived by daughter Debbie (Ken) Caplan, and son Jeff Cooey (Lisa); grandchildren Holly Caplan, Jeff Caplan, Jenifer Cooey, Sarah (Will) Carver; great grandchildren Nicky Love Cooey, Alivia Caplan, Callie Carver, and Emily Powell. Surviving brothers and sisters include Ralph (Betty Jo) Higginbotham, Paul (Sandra) Higginbotham, Iris (Gary) Coleman, Ginger Higginbotham and Aleta Plank, whom she loved like a sister. Ruby was blessed with many nieces and nephews each of which held a special place in her heart.

Born in Bryceville, FL, Ruby was the oldest of 6 children of Ida and Russell Higginbotham. By the age of 12, she was able to pick up eggs, pack lunches for school, and put a meal on the table. She graduated high school at age 14 as Valedictorian and married her high school teacher. They spent 41 years together raising a family and traveling before Fenway passed. She spent the last 31 years as a widow, but continued to travel, teach Sunday School, and attend Bible Study Fellowship.

She held many jobs during her life including wife, mother, mentor, nurse, chef, maid, taxi, 4-H sponsor, Band Booster, PTA President, Little League promoter, seamstress, Nanny, travel coordinator.... the list never ends.

In 1970 she began her first “paid” job at Ned Jackson’s Income Tax and trained directly under Ned. From 1971 to 2013 she ran his Normandy office. She became a friend, mentor, and confidant to many of the clients.

In 2013 she retired and continued to struggle with health issues. She gave up driving and moved to Camellia at Deerwood, then Harbor Chase of Mandarin, and finally Allegro of Fleming Island. She made many friends and share Christ’s love with all who would listen through friendships and Bible studies. She was always willing to give praise and honor to her Lord Jesus Christ. She told anyone who would listen, “When I am gone, do not cry and grieve for me. I will be made whole! I will be singing and rejoicing with the Lord! Be happy for me!”

The family wishes to thank Community Hospice at St. Vincent’s Southside for the excellent care and compassion they showed Ruby and her family as she prepared for her Homecoming. Kristen and Carolyn, the Hospice nurses, were angels here on Earth. We will have a Celebration of her Life on October 12, 2019, at The Bridge at Westside Baptist Church at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers please make contributions in her memory to Community Hospice St. Vincent’s Southside, 4266 Sunbeam Rd., 32257.