Mrs. Mary Lee Gatewood Ruff took her rest and received her crown and entered into her heavenly home on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Hospice of the Piedmont. Born May 29, 1951, in Morven, NC, to the late Lonnie and Lee Bertha Gatewood. She relocated to High Point, NC during her childhood making this her home and where she would raise her children for years to come. Mary lived her life with faith, fire, and a whole lot of love.

She loved the Lord and was a proud member of Solid Rock Baptist Church in High Point.

Mary attended William Penn High School and was part of the last Junior Class of 68' before graduating with the Class of 69' from High Point Central. She retired from People's Funeral Home as a lady attendant as well as serving several other funeral homes within High Point over the course of her life.

A devoted and praying mother and grandmother who didn’t just love her family she showed it at all times. Whether through her home-cooked meals, wise words, or just simply being there during their time of need for support. She was not only loving and supporting towards her children and grandchildren but for other immediate and extended family and friends as well. If you knew her you loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her special sister, Aggie Eaves.

Left to carry her love and legacy are her two sons, Carlos Southerland (Patricia Barron) of Greensboro, NC and Corey (Wynette) Southerland of Greensboro, NC; her two grandchildren, Maison and Maliyah Southerland of Greensboro, NC; special son, Andre Hope of Charlotte NC; niece and nephew, Lori (Rod) Rankin and Brian Eaves both of High Point, NC; and a host of family and friends.

Mary lived fully, loved loudly, and will be missed deeply but will be forever in our hearts!

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Solid Rock Baptist Church, 901 E. Kearns Avenue. Interment will follow at Floral Garden Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and on Friday, February 20, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. at Admiral Pointe (Community Room) located at 3725 Admiral Drive, High Point, NC 27265.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.