A Reflection of Life
Ruby Mae Chatman
Sunrise: November 19, 1949-Sunset: August 28, 2025
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
-2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)
Early Life
Ruby Mae Chatman was born on November 19, 1949, in Lockhart, Alabama, to the late Mr. Ruben Warren and Mrs. Lureatha Thomas. She was lovingly raised with family values rooted in faith, service, and love. Ruby developed a heart for God early in life and carried that passion into every role she embraced.
Marriage & Family
Ruby was united in holy matrimony to Colandus Chatman, Jr., who currently resides in Florala, Alabama. Together, they built a strong and enduring union, blessed with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who became the center of Ruby’s joy.
She was a devoted mother to:
Melissa Thomas-McLaughlin (Lockhart, AL)
Angela Powell (Torry Powell) (Laurel Hill, FL)
Wanda Chatman-Sledge (Nathaniel Sledge, Jr.) (Crestview, FL)
Chebryel Coleman (Bobby Coleman, Jr.) (Lockhart, AL)
Steven Chatman (Tara Chatman) (Lockhart, AL)
Jeffrey Chatman (Cynthia Chatman) (Lockhart, AL)
Marc Chatman (Savannah Chatman) (Florala, AL)
She shared a special bond with her brother, Ruben Warren, Jr., and with a cousin close as a sister, Margaret Jean Gibson.
Ruby was preceded in death by her beloved in-laws Areamelia and Lud Chatman; sisters-in-law Carlyon Chatman and Florine Blackshear; and brothers-in-law Ray Chatman, Earnest Chatman, and Henry Blackshear. She also leaves to cherish her memories: a sister-in-law, Laura Chatman, and brothers-in-law John Chatman, David Chatman, Willie Chatman, and Michael Chatman.
Her Grandchildren & Great-Grandchildren
Ruby’s heart overflowed with love for her family. She was blessed with grandchildren Henry Thomas, Jr., Jennifer Thomas, Andrea Grant (Marlon), Latoya Thomas, Tiffany Adams, Bert Radford, Jr. (Deceased), Spencer Radford (Deceased), Angela Marie Radford, Nigel Chatman, Jeremiah Chatman, Caleb Chatman, Antonio Perdue, Shaniece Chatman, Kyler Chatman (Senait), Jamiah Chatman, Isaiah Chatman, Destini Chatman, Jakeem Peoples, Javarus Peoples (Gena), and Derek Peoples (Tamara).
Her joy multiplied as she welcomed great-grandchildren Jaida Thomas, Aaliyah Tatum, Deandre, Josiah, Reyah, and Moriah Speights, Alyvia Grant, TraVaughn Adams, Shawn Adams, Aayla Powell, Torry Powell, Elijah Powell, Rhykker Powell, Alexa Mae Wells, Timothy James Thomas, Ciara Reed, Rashaad Coleman, Rayshon Coleman, and Bobby Coleman, III. Beyond her biological family, Ruby was also a spiritual mother to many, delighting in watching each generation grow. She faithfully lifted their names in prayer, leaving them a rich inheritance of faith, strength, and love.
Professional and Educational Journey
Ruby was not only a woman of faith but also a woman of excellence in education and leadership. Her academic journey reflected her commitment to both professional growth and spiritual calling:
Applied Science Associates – “Secretary Science Degree”
OWCC – Associates of Arts in Business Management
Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry – Regent University
Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (Discipleship and Church Ministry) – Liberty University
Financial Literacy Certification – Liberty University (Dave Ramsey & The Lampo Group, Inc.)
Ministerial Leadership Training – Reach for the World Ministries, Inc. (2010)
Ministry & Service
Ruby Mae Chatman’s heartbeat for ministry. She faithfully served as: Children’s Church Director, Benevolence Director, Pastor’s Administrative Assistant, Deaconess & Minister, Leader in Water for Life Mission Outreach, Annual Community Thanksgiving Blessing Outreach, Christmas Shoes Outreach Ministry
Her ministry was marked by compassion, prayer, and generosity. She was a mentor to many, a servant-leader in the house of God, and a vessel used to bring encouragement and restoration to countless lives.
Her Legacy
Ruby’s life was defined by her acceptance of & faith in Christ, her love for family, and her commitment to serving others. Though distractions and challenges came, she stood firm, always sensing God’s call to draw closer. She lived out the prayer of revival: “Lord, revive, refresh, renew, restore, and reignite me again.”
Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren carry forward her legacy of prayer, wisdom, and unwavering faith. Ruby’s life reminds us that while time on earth is temporary, the impact of a godly life is eternal.
Closing Tribute
Ruby Mae Chatman leaves behind a loving husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends who will forever cherish her memory.
Her life is a testimony that:
“A virtuous woman’s price is far above rubies.” (Proverbs 31:10, KJV)
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