Ruby Hollis Whisonant

Ruby Hollis Whisonant, lovingly known by her family as Grandma Wee, passed away January 7, 2026, at the age of 101. 

She was born in York County, SC, on August 6, 1924, daughter of Ruth Steele Hollis and Charlton H. Hollis. Ruby graduated from Rock Hill High School in 1941 as the salutatorian. She attended Winthrop College after high school. Ruby married A. Randall Whisonant in 1943 as he was leaving to serve in WWII. 

Her work career included: a clerk at McCrorey’s Dime Store, and a secretary at Rock Hill Body Company, and the City of Rock Hill. After many years as a dedicated homemaker, she worked at her alma mater, Rock Hill High School, as a library clerk from 1972 until her retirement in 1986. 

She became a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church in 1935, was a member of the Barber Hardin Sunday School class, and at her death, held the title of oldest living member. 

Grandma Wee enjoyed annual trips to the beach with her family. Her birthday is celebrated each year with a shrimp boil, a tradition carried forward from their weeks together at the coast. 

Ruby remained brilliant and witty through her last days. In the two years preceding her death, she wrote a book of short stories about her life as a gift to the family. She was also an avid genealogist, researching and exploring her family’s history to share with her growing generations. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepmother, Madge S. Hollis; husband, A. Randall Whisonant; sisters, Elizabeth “Lib” H. Wallace and Pearl H. Gregory; son, Robert “Bob” M. Whisonant; and great-grandson, Damien Whisonant. She is survived by her son and his wife, Al and Susan Whisonant, and daughter, JoAnne Pafford; grandchildren, Kristy W. Austin (Greg), Erika W. Bell (Andy), Charlie Whisonant (Rebecca), Jay Whisonant (Michelle), Brent Pafford (Nicholas Parr), Brad Pafford (Erin), and Rachel W. Bolin (Matt Franz), 19 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild, whom she was delighted to welcome as a fifth living generation. 

Memorials may be sent to St. John’s United Methodist Church, 321 S. Oakland Avenue, Rock Hill, SC 29730, or Hospice and Community Care, 2275 India Hook Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732.

 A Celebration of Life Service will be held at St. John’s United Methodist Church, Rock Hill, on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 3:00 pm, followed by a reception in the St. John’s Center. Interment will be private at a later date.