Born February 10, 1937, in Charlotte, Tennessee, Ruby was the youngest daughter of the late Rev. G. C. and Varrie Peterson-Jenkins. She was a proud graduate and Salutatorian of the historic Burt High School Class of 1955 and later attended Tennessee A&I Normal School, now Tennessee State University.

A woman of unwavering faith, Ruby devoted her life to God, family, music, education, and service. A gifted musician with a God-given talent, she faithfully served Greater Ebenezer AME Church as the Minister of Music for the Senior Chorus and Young Adult Choirs for more than 60 years.

Ruby was united in marriage to the love of her life, the late Rev. George Milton Perkins, and their union was blessed with five children. She served as a Foster Grandparent with the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, where she encouraged, nurtured, and inspired generations of students until her retirement in 2021.

Ruby peacefully completed her earthly journey on September 2, 2026.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents; Rev. G. C. Jenkins and Varrie Peterson-Jenkins husband; Rev. George Milton Perkins; son, Clayborne Devon; and sister, Annie Orea Jenkins-Snardon-Smith. She leaves to cherish her daughters, Vera Viletta (Robert) Locke, Ruby L. (Donald) Ogburn, Teressa Faye Perkins, and Rev. Benessa Kaye Perkins-Sweat; grandchildren, Carlos Antonio Hite, Rev. Candance Charlene Perkins, Michael Dewayne (Nikki) Polk II, and LaQuandrea Kavoun Sweat; great-grandchildren, Noelle Alexandria Polk and Maverick Jakhai Perkins-Maliki; sister, Peggy Delores Burney nieces, LaSaundra Lee Mansfield, Oreatha Ann Snardon-Carver, and Tanya Jacquese Burney; Goddaughter Barbara Carter, adopted grandsons: adopted grandsons, Tony Washington of Denver, Colorado; Marc (CeeCee) Washington and Christopher Lloyd McCoy, both of Jacksonville, Florida; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, church family, former students, and friends.