Obituaries

Ruby Joyce Payne Epperson Colvin, 81, of Bassett, Virginia, passed away at her home Friday, January 16, 2026. She was born in Ararat, Virginia, on October 20, 1944, to the late James Monroe Payne and Claudia Marie Sutphin Payne.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Joseph Colvin; and sisters, Linda Smith and Brenda Ann “Kay” Sidden; and the father of her children, Franklin Haywood Epperson.

Ruby was of the Christian faith and a member of Radical Faith Church in Danville, Virginia. She was an active Christian who loved the Lord, was faithful to her church, and often quoted the Bible. She was a graduate of Blue Ridge High School, Class of 1964. She furthered her education by earning an associate’s degree and worked as an independent sales professional in the insurance industry for 50 years.

With an enthusiasm for life, Ruby captured the attention of any room with her dynamic personality. She was a spitfire, a girly-girl who loved her makeup, and one who enjoyed playing the piano. Her family describes her as being the definition of “holy & hood”- a woman who loved Gone with the Wind and its famous quotes, and a lady who enjoyed music and dancing, the music of Jerry Lewis, shotguns, fast cars, good-kissing men, and “eye candy.”

She is survived by a host of loved ones including her daughters, Melodie Epperson Davis, Kimberly Epperson Willard (Tim), Pamela Epperson Aponte (Marco); son, Todd Ray Epperson; sisters, Judy Ann Keith, Wanda Sue Dellenback; brothers, Alvin James Payne, Wallace Dempsey Payne, Kenneth Monroe Payne, Calvin “Cotton” Larry Payne; grandchildren, Malory Eanes, Timothy Willard, Jr., David Willard, Candice Willard, Brianna Willard Stone; 12 great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to express their appreciation for her special caregivers, Sarah Purdy Willard, Brittiney “Burtney” Wilson, Vickie Payne, Emily Purdy, and Tee Fulcher.

A visitation will be held Friday, January 23, 2026, from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM at Wright Funeral Service Martinsville Chapel. The funeral service will be held Friday, January 23, 2026, at 4:00 PM at Wright Funeral Service Martinsville Chapel. Burial will be private.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.