Scotts Funeral Home | Richmond, VA

Obituary For Roberta Viola Harris Cuffee

Roberta Harris Cuffee, 90, of Richmond, peacefully entered eternal rest Saturday, August 1, 2020, at Commonwealth Senior Living in Richmond. She was born January 3, 1930 to Royal Wesley Harris, Sr. and Viola Gladys Henderson Harris in Richmond. Educated in the public schools of Richmond, she graduated from Armstrong High School in 1947. She enrolled in Virginia State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education in 1951. While a student there she joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and later became a Golden Life Member. On June 28, 1952 she married her college sweetheart, James P. Cuffee. They were married for 56 years. After graduation she was employed in a variety of positions including Night School Teacher at the Smith-Madden Business School, Secretary to the Dean of the College at Virginia Union University, Accounting Clerk at the Internal Revenue Service and Secretary for Richmond Public Schools. She taught English and business courses at Maggie Walker High School and John F. Kennedy High School where she served as Senior Class Sponsor for many years. She received her Masters Degree in Business Education from Virginia Commonwealth University in May, 1975. Twenty years later she retired from John F. Kennedy High School in December 1995. Roberta held membership in the Dilettantes Pinochle Club, the Richmond-Henrico Retired Teachers’ Association and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. She was a long-time and faithful member of Ebenezer Baptist Church and her church involvement included the Sanctuary, Women’s and Memorial Choirs as well as the Older Adult Organization. In addition to her husband and parents, she was also preceded in death by her younger brother, Royal Wesley Harris, Jr. Her memory will be cherished by two devoted daughters, Deborah Cuffee Davis and Karen Cuffee; a granddaughter whom she cherished, Nicole Michelle Davis; four nieces and nephews, Brenda Langhorne (Maurice), Royal W. Harris III (Debbie), Raymond Harris (Jackie) and Sherrie Harris; sister-in-law, Helen J. Harris; a host of other relatives and devoted family friends. Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd. where viewing will be held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 6. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, a private graveside service will be held at Greenwood Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation or your favorite charity in her honor.

Guest Book

My deepest sympathy to the family over the passing of Mrs. Roberta Cuffee. May it comfort you to know that those of us who knew her, share you sorrow and will have lasting memories of many contributions to the school system, her church and the Richmond community in general. Yours in Christ, Lois Harrison-Jones, Retired Superintendent, Richmond Public Schools

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Rest in peace to Mom's friend and coworker at JFK. A sweet and honorable lady...from Karla Smith, daughter of Florine.

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My sincere condolences to the family of Mrs. Cuffee. It was Mrs. Cuffee that gave me the jump start in teaching where she served as my supervising teacher. I am forever grateful for her mentoring, patience, and skills she taught me. To her daughters, thank you for sharing your Mom with many of us.

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My prayers and condolences to the Cuffee Family. She was a great inspiration to me as well as a confidante. I enjoyed and will miss the many conversations we shared. I will truly miss her. May she rest in peace. -Carl E. Bradley Jr

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No words, no matter how tender, can touch what you are feeling inside. Still may you find a quiet comfort in knowing that your mother now rests in beautiful and lasting peace. She left a special legacy of caring dedication to educate so many! I have special memories of both your mom and dad and the hospitality shared in their home. With deepest sympathy! Dennis Winston and family.

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The unsigned message is from Deacon Sandra L. Reed

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My sympathy and prayers to the family of my church member Mrs. Cuffee. She always had a ready smile and was so grateful when I visited. May she rest in peace and may the family be at peace. She now rest with our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

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My condolences to the family of Mrs. Cuffee. She was my 10th grade Business Teacher at John F. Kennedy High School. I graduated in 1971. I will always remember her smile, her loving personality and kind heart. May God surround your family with his loving protection and reign down his anointing blessings and peace upon you. Drusilla Holmes Borah

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Oh Mrs. Cuffee, what an impression you left on my life. I am grateful to have known you. I was one of Mrs. Cuffee's students at John F. Kennedy High School. She was the Senior Class Sponsor/Advisor for our graduating class. She taught us to carry ourselves as well educated young people, to hold our head high and to respect others, there by respecting ourselves. The world could use more people like her today. She genuinely cared for her students.

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I am truly saddened to hear about the passing of my birthday buddy (We were both Jan 3rd babies), I worked with her at the Internal Revenue Service, Mosby, and at Kennedy. I truly enjoyed our times together and our talks on the phone. I will miss my friend but I will treasure our memories. -Ruth Morton

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R.I.P., Ms. Cuffee (my 10th grade typing teacher)!

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Truly saddened by the passing of Mrs. Cuffee. I will always cherish our friendship and the years I worked with her in the Business Education Department at Kennedy High School. We shared many conversations through the years. She was very professional and was well respected by her students and co-workers. It was through Mrs. Cuffee that I learned the real value of PEACE AND SERENITY in the classroom which carried me through during my career in Education in both the Richmond Publuc Schools and the County of Montgomery, Maryland School systems. May her soul forever rest in eternal peace. E. McKinley Spellman Alexandria, Virginia

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I am saddened to hear of the homegoing of Mrs. Cuffee. She will be remembered for her caring & kindhearted personality flavored with a sense of humor. She went beyond her gifting as an educator to sharing her God-given gift of singing with others. Well done; rest now in the arms of Jesus! -Rev. Carolyn Clark

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My condolences to the family of my sorority sister. I somtimes took her to our Richmond Alumnae Chapter's "Delta Pearls" choir rehearasl. Geraldine Harris

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Scotts Funeral Home | Richmond, VA