Ruby SmithsonMurfreesboro, TNRuby Johnson Smithson entered the Heavenly Kingdom on Saturday, May 13, 2017 after a courageous 4 1/2 year battle with cancer. Ruby was born on March 15, 1931 in Dekalb County, Tennessee to Hubert and Vada Johnson. She married her sweetheart, Willie Smithson, on Friday, July 13th, 1945. They moved to Murfreesboro in the late 1940's and resided there until 2016 when they moved to Smyrna to reside at Azalea Court Assisted Living.Ruby and Willie had two daughters, Pat Smithson Gilley and Britt Smithson Phillips. Ruby worked occasionally outside the home, but her main focus was being a home maker, raising her children, and taking care of her husband. This was a job in which she excelled and it was a labor of love for her. Ruby enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren and loved spending time with them. She enjoyed all holidays and decorated for each of them. She was a wonderful cook and family and friends always looked forward to her delicious meals. Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Pat Gilley; her great grandson, Nicholas Gilley; her great granddaughter, Kate Gilley, sisters: Josie Murphy Harris and Nelda Agee; and brother, Hugh Johnson. Ruby is survived by her loving husband, Willie Smithson; daughter, Britt Phillips (Randall); grandson, Shane Gilley (Kelly); granddaughter, Anja Benjamin (Dennis), great grandsons: Matt Gilley and Jackson Gilley; sister, Hazel Vanhook; and a host of loving nieces, nephews and friends.Ruby accepted Christ as a young woman and devoted her life to Him. She worked in the church throughout her life in various capacities, the most recent being a ministry to the elderly who were no longer able to attend church. She always looked forward to her visitation days and had great compassion for those who were ill and in the final stages of life. Ruby was a member of Fair Havens Independent Baptist Church in Murfreesboro. She adored her church family and was so grateful for their love and support throughout her illness. The family would like to thank all who have supported them throughout this journey. Their love and kindness is appreciated more than mere words can express. Special thank you's to Herb Wolf, Dawn Chamberlain, Sheryl Naron, Tim Vanhook, the staff of Azalea Court Assisted Living, Gentiva Hospice, Reverend Steve Hudson, Pastor Steve and Mrs. Sherri Goforth, and the members of Fair Havens Independent Baptist Church. There are so many others who were also there for us; far too many to list, but we want you to know we are just as thankful for all you did. This has been a long and difficult journey for Ruby; each of you reached out to lighten her load and the load of her family. Blessings to each of you.Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Woodfins Funeral Home, Murfreesboro. Funeral is Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Woodfin Memorial Chapel in Murfreesboro. Pastor Steve Goforth and Pastor Steve Hutson will officiate. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Grandsons and friends will serve as pallbearers.Memorials in memory of Mrs. Smithson can be made to The Gideon's International at The Gideons International Processing Center P.O. Box 97251 Washington, DC 20090-7251.An online guestbook is available at www.woodfinchapel.com