Annette Ruffin

Annette was born to the late Thomas and Julia Griffin. She was the widow of Roy Lee Ruffin and predeceased by one son Roy Lee Ruffin Jr., six brothers and four sisters. Annette was a native of Water Loo South Carolina and attended public schools in Spartanburg South Carolina until she married and moved to Suffolk to begin her married life in 1955. Annette worked several jobs, from the office of Dr. Hoffler, Peoples Drug Store, Planters, The Butter Dish, Norfolk Naval Ship Yard and she retired from The Suffolk Health Department. Her most perfect job was being the secretary of Oak Grove Baptist Church for over 57 years. She worked part time until her retirement in 1999 and then begin working every day and enjoyed every minute of it until her illness forced her to retire. Annette leaves to miss her two daughters Sherrie Ruffin of Suffolk VA, Valarie Goodson (Keith) Goodson of Smithfield VA; an adopted daughter Diane Bailey of Suffolk VA, three grandchildren Nyla Goodson, Wyatt Stallings, Arlen Goodson, two adopted grandchildren Dexter (Kelly) Bailey and Bryant Bailey. In addition, her sister Lillian Stephens of Charlotte NC and a host of nieces and nephews. Annette joined OGBC August of 1963, she was a member of the Choir, the Pastor’s Aid, the Missionaries, the Awareness Club, and she was a Sunday School Teacher. Annette loved OGBC and supported the church and its members. She was instrumental in several things from the starting of the Youth Counsel, The Celebration of Black History Month, purchasing a typewriter and mimeograph machine. She was all about progression for the church. All of these words were written by Annette Ruffin and she leaves us with her favorite hymn “I Don’t Want Nobody Stumbling Over Me’ her favorite prayer “Lord Have Mercy” and her favorite words “God Is” Believing that God can and will do anything in the life of a believer. “Smile a While Give Your Face a Rest Stand Up Straight Elevate Your Chest Reach Right Out to Someone Near Shake Their Hand and Smile to God Give All the Glory” “Now Shut The Casket Go Home and Take Care of Yourselves” Bye for Now! A viewing will be held from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Monday October 11, 2021 at Crocker Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held at noon Tuesday October 12, 2021 at Oak Grove Baptist Church 2635 East Washington Street Suffolk VA 23434. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Annette Ruffin, please visit our flower store.