Sarah Helen Ruffin

Sarah Helen Parker-Ruffin, daughter of the late William (Will) and Sarah Jane Brown-Parker, was born in Roberson County, North Carolina on March 30, 1914. Helen was called home on October 30, 2003. Helen was the fourth and last surviving child of Will and Sarah’s nine children. Her siblings were Mamie, Jessie, Harvey, Bertha, John, Thomas, Alton and Alesia.Helen received her education in Roberson County, North Carolina. At an early age she accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. Helen became a life long member of Johnson Chapel Baptist Church in Roberson County.As a young woman Helen left home seeking employment in the neighboring county of Wilmington, North Carolina. In Wilmington she lived with her mother’s sister, Aunt Mattie Brown. Helen found steady employment in the Garment Industry. Helen was a faithful worker and she followed the custom of the times by sending money home to her ailing father and mother.In the early 1940’s Helen left North Carolina in route to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to live with a childhood friend and to find work. Helen stopped over in Baltimore to visit with her sister Bertha. After much consideration and circumstances, Helen decided to remain in Baltimore. She later joined the Morning Star Baptist Church and was a faithful member for many years. In the mid 1970’s, Helen moved her membership to White Stone Baptist Church where she remained until her death.On July 24, 1949, Helen married Howard Ruffin in Baltimore, Maryland. He was a fellow North Carolinian who grew up in Suffolk, Virginia. From their union one son was born, Howard James Ruffin. Her husband Howard preceded her in death in 1984.Directly or indirectly she administered to her family’s needs. In the late 1950’s, Helen brought her mother of Baltimore where she would receive better medical care. Mrs. Sarah Jane Brown-Parker resided in the comfort of her daughter’s home until her passing in 1957. Throughout her life, Helen was the caretaker, the Florence Nightingale of the family.Helen leaves to celebrate her life; a devoted son, Howard James Ruffin; daughter-in-law, Addie (Penny) Ruffin; granddaughter, April Renee Ruffin; one step-granddaughter, Loreice Lee of Virginia; one sister-in-law, Agnes Ruffin of Baltimore, Maryland; several devoted nieces and nephews, Ardella Ellibe, Brenda Parker-Townes, Elizabeth Gaynair, of Baltimore, Maryland, Dora Harrington and Berline McPhaul, Albert Craddock of North Carolina and Rev. Thomas Parker Jr. of Maryland; numerous other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

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Sarah Helen Ruffin

March 30, 1914 - October 30, 2003