Linda Joyce Mitchell-Rufus

The Legacy of Linda Joyce Rufus Our beloved Linda Joyce Mitchell Rufus, 62, was born in Duplin County, North Carolina April 22, 1951. She was called home to be one of God angels Wednesday, April 24, 2013. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Lou and Frank Ham, Sr; brother, Tony Mitchell and grandson, TreQuanne Rufus. She graduated from Savannah High in Grifton, North Carolina and furthered her education in nursing at Wayne Community College where she received her LPN License in 1971. She began her career at Lenoir Memorial Hospital in Kinston, North Carolina for several years and later worked at Caswell Center. In her early age, she married Louis Rufus and from this union three children were born. In 1989, she joined St. Paul’s Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia and served on the Greeters and Nursing Ministry. She was a faithful and loyal member until her health began to fail. Linda was an outstanding example of a very giving human being whom always managed to somehow put others beyond herself and her needs. She cared deeply for her friends, family, and all of her loved ones to a great extent. Linda was the backbone, the strength, and the light of her family. She gave love to everyone around her. Her door was always open. Linda’s warm home was a delight to all that entered. She never turned anyone away. Our Linda was a true reflection of God’s love! Linda was a hard worker that never complained. She cherished life and all that it stood for. Her passion was working in her garden. No matter what she went through, she always put other first. Linda was a woman that was kind, loving, very caring, compassionate and a supportive person who loved having fun, especially working with her crafts, shopping and traveling. She adored her Church family Linda touched so many in so many ways and will be truly missed by all, however don’t fret. She will always be with us deep in the recesses of our mind and in our hearts until we too die and meet her in the afterlife. We will never allow the light to flicker and continue to carry her torch to eternity. She leaves to cherish her memory, two loving daughters, Felicia and Katrice Rufus; caring son, Frederick Rufus; six grandchildren, Cedrick Rufus, Azaharey Rufus, Jalen Rufus, ArMon Rufus, Azaiah Wood, and Ahmaria Rufus; four sisters, Betty Harris (Cliff), Beverly Harris, Sharon Woodson, (David) and Josephine Wiggins (Roger); four brothers, Frank Jr. (Margaret), Alvin (Vera), Kenneth (Monique) and Andre Ham; aunt, Ester Williams; uncle, James Mitchell; devoted son-in-law, William Cummings; one sister-in-law, Mandy Mitchell; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. The Broken Chain We little knew that day God was going to call your name In life we loved you dearly, in death, we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, You did not go alone; For part of us went with you, The day God called you home You left us beautiful memories, Your love is still our guide. And although we cannot see you, You are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, And nothing seems the same, But as God calls us one by one, The chain will link again.

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Linda Joyce Mitchell-Rufus

April 22, 1951 - April 24, 2013