Ruby Wilkerson Perkins

Ruby Layne Wilkerson Perkins of Lexington, North Carolina passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025 at the Davidson County Hospice Center in Thomasville, North Carolina after her courageous battle with pancreatic cancer with her Skip by her side.

She was born in Chase City, VA (Mecklenburg Co) on November 23, 1939 to the late James T. and Ruth Calloway Wilkerson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, James T. Wilkerson, Jr (Ginger) of Kernersville, N.C and sister, Lola Jones (Chuck) of Salisbury, NC.

Ruby is survived by her loving husband, Oliver “Skip’ H. Perkins, Jr. of Lexington, NC and a sister, Edna Morgan (John) of Cana, VA. She leaves a legacy of love with her many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless dear friends that she held close to her heart.

Skip and Ruby shared a beautiful life that was rooted in a deep love, trust, and devotion that deepened through the years. Their marriage was a beautiful testament to what true love is. Together, they celebrated life’s joys, weathered heartaches and built a life and home with laughter, warmth and unwavering support for one another.

Ruby’s presence made the world softer, kinder and more beautiful just by being in it. She was a woman of abiding love, beauty and grace- qualities that shone through in everything she did and everyone she touched.

She had a way of making people feel seen and heard. Ruby could look into your soul to see your true value. She was a deep thinker and a thoughtful listener- someone you could sit for hours with, knowing she heard every word you spoke mattered to her.

Her wisdom was quiet but powerful, woven into her advice, her laughter and her beautiful contagious smile. Skip loved her beautiful smile.

She loved beauty in all its forms- in flowers, which she tended to with the same care she gave her friendships and family, in antiques- where she would collect, restore and cherish like treasures. Ruby had a knack for antiques. She and Skip traveled and explored treasures all over the United States. A ruby is a rare gem and that is exactly what our Ruby was.

Ruby held a lifelong career as a legal assistant, serving attorneys throughout Virginia and North Carolina. In Virginia, she worked for Henry McLaughlin and in North Carolina, she was part of the Brinkley-Walser Law firm. Ruby treasured the friendships she built at Brinkley-Walser, and even after retirement, she and colleagues remained very close and enjoyed monthly luncheons.

From Skip; “For my dearest sweet wife Ruby, You were always my love, my life. Fly slowly with your new angel wings, allowing me to reach you again soon and hold you in my arms forever. Love, Skip”

The family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Hiller, Dr. Charles, Dr. Floyd & Staff and the Davidson County Hospice Center for their compassionate care during Ruby’s time of need. Skip would like to personally thank his friends and neighbors of Ponders Creek Drive who have been so supportive during Ruby’s illness.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, July 27, 2025 from 3pm-5pm at Ruby and Skip’s home, 222 Ponders Creek Drive Lexington, NC.