Ms. Clarice Joyce Ruff

“She was full of God’s Works and acts of Charity”. Acts 9:36 CLARICE JOYCE RUFF , born February 19, 1940 to Cleo Earl and Warren Watson. She was proceeded in death by both parents, one brother, and her first born son Kevin Ruff. EDUCATION: She attended the Baltimore City Public School System, later receiving her High School Diploma from Harford Heights Night School. Clarice was united in holy matrimony to William Edward Ruff, Sr., on February 28, 1958. From this union there were five children Kevin, Valerie, Kim, Lynda, and William, Jr. Clarice was a hard working and dedicated employee with Johns Hopkins Hospital in the Coding Department which at that time was all done manually. She was the only African American in this Department. When the hospital went digital, they sent Clarice to learn the new coding system. She attended BCCC and received her Associates of Arts Degree in Medical Records Technology. She graduated Magna Cum Laude. Upon completion, Clarice was promoted to Supervisor and trained many of the old and new employees on using the new coding system. Clarice worked at Johns Hopkins Hospital in this capacity for over 49 years to include working from home when unable to go into the office. Clarice loved to cook, bake, and sew. She especially loved teaching her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren all the tricks of baking and cooking. She was an avid reader. Clarice dedicated her life to Christ early in life. She was a member of St. Francis Xavier Church until 1973. After moving to West Baltimore, she and her children became members of St. Cecilia’s Church where she was a lifetime Gospel Choir member, a Eucharistic Minister, a Lecture for Saturday masses only. If you ever went to her home on any Sunday you could hear Mahalia Jackson, Albertina Walker, Shirley Caesar, as well as many other old time gospel singers and groups. While you heard the music playing and Clarice singing along, you could smell the aroma of fried chicken, greens, macaroni and cheese, and homemade rolls There was always some type of dessert, but mostly a chocolate cake. Everyone who came was welcomed and invited to stay for dinner. She was the “good time house”. She leaves to mourn and cherish her memories, four children, ten grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren, and one son-in-law. Kevin (Kevin, Jr, and Lakeisha), Valerie (Joseph and Joyce), Kim and Stephen Frances (Rachel, David, and Joshua) Lynda (Lauren, Mi’chelle) and William, Jr.(Anita). Other relatives (Dolly, Sheila, Richard, Warren, and Charles Honeyblue), and a host of friends. She was affectionately called “mom or granny’ by so many other young people that she meet during her lifetime. She will be greatly missed. Written by Clarice Ruff “Loved ones do not weep for me”

Tributes

Ms. Clarice Joyce Ruff

February 19, 1940 - December 14, 2025