Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, August 8, 2025 at Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia for Ruby Lynn Rayburn, 82, of Columbia, who passed away Monday, August 4, 2025 at Marion General Hospital. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia. Bro. Brad Brownlee will officiate the services. Lisa Reid will provide special music. Visitation will be held from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm on Friday, August 8, 2025 at Hathorn Funeral Home.

Mrs. Ruby Rayburn lived a life dedicated to faith, family, and education. A beloved English teacher who loved language, she began her journey student teaching at Bunker Hill School, later shaping young minds at Columbia Academy and Columbia High School. Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Rayburn found joy in reading and a profound devotion to the Lord. Her affection extended to horses, but her greatest love was for her family, for whom she was a tireless prayer warrior and a truly selfless presence. Her commitment to her faith was further exemplified by her more than 30 years of teaching Sunday school and her faithful membership at East Columbia Baptist Church and later Oloh Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her Husband, Wesley Eugene Rayburn; Son, Robert H. Breithaupt, Jr.; Father, John O. McElroy, Jr.; Mother, Cassie Johnson McElroy.

She is survived by her two Sons, Danny Eugene Rayburn of Sumrall, MS, John Wesley Rayburn (Jennifer) of Columbia, MS; two Daughters, Gina Carol Mooney (Jason) of Sumrall, MS and Kimberly Lynn Giardina (John) of Ocean Springs, MS; Brother, John Carroll McElroy (Sylvia); 12 Grandchildren; 7 Great Grandchildren; A host of nephews, nieces, and friends.

Pallbearers will be John Wesley Rayburn, Tyler Harrison, Clint Rayburn, Nathaniel Giardina, Zach Mooney, and Jason Mooney. Honorary pallbearers will be Danny Rayburn, John Carroll McElroy, and John Giardina.

Hathorn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Friends may sign an online guest register book at www.hathornfuneralhome.com