Alberta Ruffin

Obituary For Alberta Ruffin

Reverend Alberta G. Ruffin, 92, of Wormlesburg, transitioned into eternal life on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 in the peace and love of her home. She was born in Doddsville, Mississippi, the third child of twelve children born to the late Deacon E. V. and Mother Almeter (Williamson) Groves. Reverend Ruffin received her early education from Delta Industrial Institute. She prepared for her life career in nursing by receiving an Associate Degree in Nursing from Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, MS and continued her education when she moved to Harrisburg, PA. She received a Certificate in Nursing from the Nursing Homes Training Institute and graduated a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) from the Harrisburg Steelton-Highspire Technical School of Nursing in 1985. She was 56 years old when she graduated; thereby, accomplishing her life-long dream of becoming a LPN. In 1993 after an injury, she retired with over fifty years of service as a nurse. Her last place of employment was the Harrisburg State Hospital. Reverend Ruffin was united in holy matrimony to the late Reverend George Ruffin on July 20, 1950. Their marriage was blessed with four children: David C. Ruffin (Elder at New Holy Trinity Church of Doddsville, MS); Nancy Linder (Assistant Pastor at Full Gospel Evangelistic Ministry-Of Harrisburg, PA); Patricia A. Hill (Trustee at Progressive Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church of Jackson, MS) and George E. Ruffin (Elder of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church of Altus, OK). She was divorced in 1975. Reverend Ruffin was a born-again Christian at age 7 and was baptized. She was a willing worker of the Lord Jesus Christ all her Christian life. She was always a student of the Word and continually prepared herself for Christian ministry and community service by receiving several degrees in theology, from various institutions of learning, over the years. She was licensed a Minister of the Gospel by Reverend Scott A. White, Sr. at New Hope Baptist Church; ordained an Elder and Associate Pastor on November 22, 1998 by Pastor Joseph K. Linder at Full Gospel Evangelistic Ministry of Harrisburg and for three years, she served as an Interim Pastor at the New Life Missionary Baptist Church, in Carlisle, PA. Reverend Ruffin served her community through her church, as an Associate Pastor, Church Mother, Sunday School Superintendent, Teacher, Altar Worker, Director of Christian Education and Family Support Ministries, Prayer Leader and Vocalist. She also served her community through two ministries that she founded: Prayer Is The Key Outreach Ministry-of Harrisburg and Faith Speakers Stand Of Faith-of Harrisburg. She held monthly religious services at the former Dauphin Manor and current Spring Creek Nursing Home and weekly at the Heinz-Menaker Senior Center and led a weekly Bible Study Group at Morrison Towers. In addition to her parents, Reverend Ruffin was preceded in death by her ex-husband, Reverend George Ruffin; her seven siblings: Pearlie Mae Groves, Rosie Lee (James) Hall, Amanda Lee (Ronnie) Lowery, E.V. (Leola) Groves, Jr., R.L. (Sammie) Groves, Jimmy (Eula) Groves and Charlie C. (Ora) Groves; a daughter-in-law, Evangelist. Betty Jean (David’s wife) Ruffin. She leaves to celebrate her life and to cherish precious memories, her four children: Elder David C. Ruffin (Lillie) of Doddsville, MS; Co-Pastor Nancy (Pastor Joseph) Linder of Harrisburg, PA; Trustee Patricia A. (Willie) Hill of Jackson, MS and Elder George E. (Kendra) Ruffin of Altus, OK; her four siblings: Pastor Lillie and husband, Willie Jackson of Ruleville, MS; Assistant Pastor Bessie and husband, Robert Ratliff of Doddsville, MS; Deacon Louis (Martha) Groves and Minister Henry (Lucille) Groves of Drew, MS; her ten grandchildren: Orlando A. (Christa) Hill of Brandon, MS, Shari D. Hill of Jackson, MS; SaRita (Eddie) Anderson of Indianola, MS; Jasmine Wright-Ruffin and Calvin L. Ruffin of Doddsville, MS; Byron K. Linder and Patrick B. (Charity) Linder of Harrisburg, PA; Chelsea D. Ruffin of Enterprise, AL; George E. Ruffin, Jr. of Birmingham, AL; Jenelle O. Ruffin of Biloxi, MS; her nine great grandchildren: Nakyah D. Hill of Jackson, MS; Carson C. Hill of Brandon, MS; Ayanna D. Hill of Clinton, MS; Marsharae Ruffin of Doddsville, MS; Eddie Anderson, Jr. of Indianola, MS; Ariana R. Jones of Enterprise, AL; Makalia L. Linder; Jayden P. Linder and Tashaun P. Linder of Harrisburg, PA and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and her church family and friends. Reverend Ruffin’s life will be celebrated on Friday, March 11 in the Sanctuary of United Baptist Church at 1401 Walnut St., Harrisburg, PA 17103 with Viewing and Visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. followed by Funeral Worship Service at 11:00 a.m. and Burial in William Howard Day Cemetery. COVID-19 Guidelines will be observed with face masks for all attendees. Memorial Contributions can be made in Memory of Reverend Alberta G. Ruffin to Full Gospel Evangelistic Ministry of Harrisburg at 3405 N. 6th St., Harrisburg, PA 17110; Cash APP $FGEMof HBG www.majorhwinfieldfuneralhome.com