Ruby S. Davis

Ruby S. Davis passed away peacefully at home on November 9, 2019, surrounded by loved ones. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Cecil Cook Davis, whom she adored.
She is survived by daughters Elizabeth Davis Harrison (Beth) and her husband Jim of Crozet, VA, and Cecilia Maree Davis of Lancaster, SC; grandchildren Rebecca Davis Harrison of Riverside, CA, and Patrick Wells Harrison and his wife Elizabeth of Pittsburgh, PA; nieces and nephews and their families; and long-time friend Kathy Hardin of Lancaster, SC. Born on December 4, 1922, in Savannah, Georgia, Ruby L. Sellers was raised by her beloved mother, Nancy Elizabeth (Purdue) (Sellers) Burel, and her step-father William Hollis Burel.
She spent most of her childhood in Atlanta, Georgia, and graduated from Girls' High School in 1940. Among her favorite memories of that time were riding the streetcar to school and attending the Atlanta premier of "Gone With The Wind" with her senior class. Ruby worked as a civilian employee of the U.S. Army during World War II, working during the day and attending college classes at night. After the war, she finished her bachelor's and earned her master's degree in history at the University of Georgia and began work on her Ph.D.
She met the love of her life, Cecil C. Davis, while she was in graduate school. Ruby began her teaching career at Young Harris Junior College in Georgia. She and Cecil married in 1948, and moved to Clemson, SC, where Cecil joined the faculty at Clemson College. After teaching at Seneca High School for several years, Ruby became one of the first women faculty members at Clemson, teaching American history for decades. She was a trailblazer for the time, successfully combining a professional career with raising a family and serving as a mentor to many. She was immensely proud of her children and her students. A niece describes her as a true Southern lady with a stellar education.
Ruby loved her Clemson Tigers and was a season ticket holder for many years. A woman of faith, she taught Sunday School in her younger years, was a member of the Christian Women's Club, and impacted many with her kindness and words of encouragement. Her daughters fondly remember her singing hymns around the house. Her family especially wants to thank and acknowledge her devoted caregivers and "adopted daughters" Charlene "Charlie" Evans and Judy Seago, and Tonia Evett, Marie Wilson and Kevin Bordelon, and Peggy Cover of First Baptist Church of Clemson, a faithful Christian friend.
There will be a service of remembrance in the chapel at Duckett – Robinson Funeral Home of Central, SC, on Tuesday, November 12, at 2 pm. After the service, the family will greet friends at the chapel. A graveside ceremony at Woodland Cemetery at Clemson University will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the ASPCA, Doctors Without Borders, Grace United Methodist Church (P.O. Box 418, Lancaster, SC 29721), or a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central SC.