Ruby Queen (Miller) Carpenter

Sis. Ruby Queen (Miller) Carpenter was born December 17, 1933 in Tupelo, MS to Hiram and Willie (Nolan) Miller.  She peacefully transitioned from this life on August 11, 2023, at Corewell Health South in Joseph, Michigan. 

Ruby received her formal education in Tupelo, a graduate of George Washington Carver High School and later attended beauty college in Memphis, TN and moved to Benton Harbor, MI.  She met Archie Cevel Carpenter, and they were married on August 2, 1954.  This union was blessed with two precious children, Carolyn Carpenter Grier and Archie Cevel Carpenter, Jr.

33 years of employment were spent with Benton Harbor Area Schools as a bus driver!  After retirement from BHAS she drove for the Migrant Camp of Southwest Michigan.  It was evident that she loved children and they loved her as well.  Sis. Ruby accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age and truly believed in the power of prayer.  She was a long-time member of Union Memorial where she graciously served on the Mother’s Board.  Ruby looked forward to family gatherings with the family that she dearly loved.  Her favorite pass-time was fishing and any type of sport; Gospel music and working her word-search puzzles.

Fond memories of Ruby will be cherished in the hearts of her children:  Carolyn of Benton Harbor and Archie (Bernadette) of St. Joseph, MI;  Grandson:  Alvin V (Lajuan) Grier; 2 Great-grandchildren:  Alexandria and Alvin Grier, II of Oak Park, MI; a special niece:  Mary Elizabeth Neal; Sisters-in law:  Mary, Blenda, and Barbara Carpenter;  Brother-in law: Willie Burns and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and her awesome caregivers;  Special friends:  Rosie Starling, Rosie Rivers and Brenda Phillips.  

Preceding her in death were her parents: Hiram and Willie Miller; her husband Archie, Sr., and a sister Mary Christine Smith. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruby Queen (Miller) Carpenter, please visit our floral store.