Ruby Jewel Snell (better known as Jewel) was born on October 13, 1958, to the late Eddie Snell, Sr. and Bertha Mae Norwood in Jackson, Mississippi. She was the oldest of five children from her mother and father's union and the third born of her fathers' children.

Jewel lived in Merit, Mississippi the majority of her life. She went to school at Mendenhall High School and later in 2008 received her GED from CO-LIN in Mendenhall, Mississippi. She was a member of the Pine Grove M.B. Church in Braxton Mississippi, where she served on the usher board.  Jewel worked as a food server for Simpson County Schools for roughly 20 years until her health began to fail, which forced her to retire. She adored and loved every child she met and they felt the same about her.

Ruby was the sweetest person with the biggest heart. She would give her last even to a stranger. Jewel was all about family especially her children and grandchildren. She loved her family with all her heart. Ruby was an independent and very strong, hard working woman.  She also had other jobs in her earlier years such as, Eason's Catfish House, Buddy's and Penn's Fish House. She developed multiple friendships over the years that she thought of as family. To know Jewel was to love Jewel.

Preceding Ruby Jewel in death were her parents, Eddie and Bertha Mae Snell; one sister, Gloria Love; two brothers, Thomas Snell and Eddie Snell, Jr.; one daughter, Shayla Keys; and one granddaughter, Madison Rosse.

Jewel leaves to cherish the memories of her loving, gentle and humble spirit: three daughters, Shundra Keys, Monica Keys, and Jasmine Keys; three granddaughters, Ari'Anna Hubbard, Braiya Keys, and Brittini Hubbard; one and only grandson, Braylen Rosse; three brothers, Billy (Angelique) Snell, Perry (Angela) Snell, and Brian (Kenyetta) Griffin; four sisters, Marilyn (Steve) Graves, Erica Griffin, Natasha Griffin, and Sonya Griffin; her best friend, Phyliss (Lee) McIntyre; and a host of nieces, nephews, honorary sons and daughters, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.