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Obituary For Mrs. Mary Gatewood Ruff
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 didnโt 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.
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Condolences & Tributes
Add A CondolenceCarlos and Corey, your mom was truly a special jewel. I knew your mom through Corey and Montre' playing football at Ragsdale, when you Mary gave the true meaning to football parent she was the biggest fan our Friday nights were always full of joy and excitement.i am so thankful for our friendship and the many laughs shared .To Carlos and Corey our condolence is with you during this challenging time With much Love and Prayers, Matthews and Farabee
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Family you have my condolences, may God's grace and comfort surround you during this time.
My condolences to the family, Mary was a very sweet Lady.
To the family;Y'all have my condolences.Sorry to hear about the passing of Mary.I had the pleasure of working with her when we was at Alma Desk on Green Street.Rest in Peace my friend I enjoy the times we spend at Alma Desk
My sincere condolences to the family. Ms Mary will be missed.RIP
Wm.Penn Class of "1967" offer our deepest sympathy and prayers asking and knowing God will comfort you during your time of bereavement
Our sincere condolences to the family on Miss Ruff's transition. May she rest in Heaven. Mike and Sandra Pendergrass
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Carlos and Corey, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers as you navigate this heartbreaking time. May your mother's spirit and the love she poured into your lives continue to guide and comfort you.
To the Southerland family keeping you all in prayer. You all have my condolences. Shirlon Brown and family
God Bless You, Family!
Look up and Trust God to comfort and keep you.
Rev., Dr. Bobby W. Green, Jr. and Dr. Gwendolyn Johnson-Green
Mary was always a sweet and kind person. Our family lived across street from her and her Aunt Bert. White oak and Granby. To the family God bless and keep you.
Dear Friend you fought the good fight, you were a powerful warrior that gave it her all! I will always cherish the journey that we walked with grace and dignity! Your fight is now over, enjoy your reward you've earned it. Take your rest and rest easy knowing that you gave it your all ๐
To have Known Mary was to have Loved her ..When she came into the flower shop she brought love and Joy she was a beautiful person inside and sharp on the outside .. Giving a person their flowers while they living is what our happy place did for Mary she sometimes leave with a flower but when she didn't she left with lots of love .. Family Sending our Love and prayers in the passing of Mary we will keep our memories in our hearts of her coming to our HAPPY PlACE!! Ladies of Southern Accent Florist ๐บ๐น Take your Rest our friend !! ๐
Sincere condolences to the family. May God's presence surround you during this difficult time and the cherished memories bring you comfort.
Our hearts are saddened upon hearing of your passing. We have memories of the times on White oak street with you and your mother we called Ms Bert..You were a class mate at Wm Penn a truly a wonderful person. May your heavenly journey be glorious as you are welcome in to the kingdom of God where your dear mother and our Lord and Savior eagerly wait. Rest in peace Mary.
With deepest sympathy.....praying that God will comfort your heart, uplift your spirit, and carry you through this time of sadness to a place of peace.
My condolences to Corey and Carlos.May god bless and keep you all.
I remember Mary as A Kind and Sweet Person. Many years ago, we were neighbors in Lawndale Apartments; She and her Boys, Who She Loved Very Much. RIP Maryโฅ๏ธ
Sorry for your loss
Mary Gatewood, Southerland, Ruff, is how I've known her over the years. We were neighbors and friends through our sons. Carlos and Corey, you have my deepest sympathy and condolences in the loss of your mother. She was one of a kind and will be sincerely missed.
Ruff I will always cherish our friendship bond rest on til we meet again
RIP Mary ๐ Condolences to the Family so sorry for your loss praying for peace and strength ๐ Dorothy Buchannon and Family
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
