Ruby Giddings Floyd

Mrs. Ruby Edna Giddings Floyd, 96, passed away Sunday evening, December 8th, 2024, while at Martha Franks Baptist Retirement Community in Laurens, SC where she had been a resident for 25 years. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother.

Born on June 28, 1928 on a farm just outside of Monmouth, Ill., Ruby was the daughter of the late Benjamin and Maggie Armstrong Giddiings and sister to Lawrence, Geri, Sebastian, Doris and George. Living on a farm gave Ruby many fond memories. Her family later moved tio the town of Monmouth.

When Ruby graduated from high school, she left Illinois and traveled to Columbia, SC to attend and graduate Columbia Business School. On a blind double date to a movie with her brother, Lawrence, she met and began to date the love of her life for over 50 years, Dayton Floyd who was attending the University of South Carolina.

Once Ruby and Dayton were married and college graduation was over, they moved to a house near Aynor, SC to help care for Dayton's father. While living in Aynor, on November 24, 1954, Ruby and Dayton adopted 3 children - Ben, Tony and Wayne aged 2 months to 5 years old. Ruby and Dayton moved for a brief time (10 months) to Florence, SC before moving back to Columbia. The much larger family would stay in Columbia until they heavily invested in a small dealer business, Western Auto, in Bethune, SC in 1959. Ruby was the store's bookeeper and was awed by the auditor for the immaculately accurate bookkeeping for over 35 years.

Ruby was a very active member of Bethune Baptist Church as a member of the church choir, WMU and children's Sunday School teacher. She loved children and after retirement from the Western Auto, Ruby had child care in her home as needed for close friends. Ruby was also an active member of the Eastern Star while in Bethune.

Ruby and Dayton moved to Martha Franks Baptist Retirement Center in Laurens on November 1, 1999. Lucas Baptist Church became a big part of Ruby's life in the early years in Laurens as she became involved with the senior Bible classes.

Ruby enjoyed working with people and became a valued employee at Carter's Jewelry Store for many years. In the last few years at Martha Franks, Ruby enjoyed her friends, fellowship, church and the many friendly games of Bingo.

Ruby will always be remembered as a wonderful wife, loving mother and one who would help others.

Ruby is survived by her son's - Ben, Tony and Wayne as well as her grandchildren Austin (Crystal), Scarlett, Lynn (David) and Dayton (Megan), as well her great-grandchildren Landen, Logan and Evelynn. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dayton, daughter-in-law, Pamela, and granddaughter, Nicole.

A service to celebrate Rubys life will be held on Friday, December 13 at 2:00PM in Bethune Baptist Church. Burial will be in the Bethune Baptist Church Cemetery directed by Norton Funeral Home, Hartsville. Rev. Jeremy Ussery will officiate.  There will be an open casket viewing at 1:00PM as well. 

Funeral services can be viewed on Norton Funeral Home Facebook page on Friday at 2:00 pm.

"A Life So Beautifully Lived, Should Be Beautifully Remembered."

Norton Funeral Home Crematory is honored to serve the Floyd family.