Margie Ruffin

Margie Ellis-Ruffin was born in South Carolina, on July 9, 1944, to Mr. Morris & Idella Ellis.

She moved to NYC as a young girl with her family. There she attended school, and later married and gave birth to 5 children. As a mother and housewife, she always encouraged her family on the merits of education. This was very important to her, as she said it was the foundation of reaching for every dream possible.

Margie loved to help those in need and had many, many friends throughout her life. Whether they were young or old, she would call everyone and check on them.

As in her personal life, her business and work life were the same.

She worked as a daycare teacher because she loved the little ones and talked about them all the time to her family and friends. Margie was a community activist, she cared greatly for the members of her community in Fort Green Brooklyn, NY.

Margie enjoyed her work as a member of the staff of The Fort Green Youth Patrol, a nonprofit organization that was dedicated to helping the youth all year long, with every service needed to assist them in progress in their lives. Her organization also helped the community in referrals for food distribution.

Margie was a member of her community Tenant Patrol; her concern was for the safety of all the community members, especially the children and elderly. As a community activist, she was part of marches and protests closing Cumberland Hospital, which served the entire Fort Green community.

Margie later relocated to Ayden, North Carolina with her husband Mr. James Ruffin. She then worked at a local restaurant and later worked as a dorm Mom cooking for a Sorority house as she settled down in North Carolina. Margie was also a member of a women’s club that offered help to those in need in the Pitt County area. One of the things that she enjoyed was her contribution to helping to publish a cookbook that included recipes from all members of the club.

Of all the things she liked to do Margie enjoyed music, dancing and gathering with family and friends. People were always coming by her house to talk with her and yes, get advice because they knew Margie would listen to them and was patient and would give heartfelt advice as needed. There was no age limit for those who reached out to her, she was loved by many, many people.

Margie was predeceased by her parents Morris and Idella Ellis; husband James Ruffin; brothers Larry and Paul; sisters Christine and Rachel.

Survived by children; Beverly Evans, Alan (Valerie) Evans, Barry (Tee) Evans, 

Jason (Barbara) Johnson, Ozzie Johnson; son-in-law Shawn Ruffin; and daughter-in-law Denise Adams. Grandchildren; Jalon (Kenneth), Javon, Lillard, Barry, Brittany, My-Iesha (Milton), 

Sha-Mel, Chan-Tel, Kaitlin, Ajiana, Imani, Ozzie Jr., Jason Jr., and Tajanae. 

Great-grandchildren; Juelz, Sha-Mel Jr., Ayden, Ayxla, Oz-Zelena, Kiy’Oshi, Egypt, Royal and Onna’Lee. a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Special friend Alvin, with whom Margie has bonded and built a loving relationship.

Also left to cherish her memory is sister Faye whom Margie would talk with several times of the day. Margie’s children send regards of love, prayers, strength, and healing to their only surviving aunty.

Barry, we acknowledge this challenging time, as the passing of your beloved wife has brought up a range of emotions, as you also process this unexpected loss. 

Margie loved traveling; she cherished every visit with family and friends. She also loved trips to the casino, always with a playful spirit and a glimmer of excitement. Whether dining out or exploring new places, she lived fully, filling her days with laughter and making memories with those she loved. At home, she embraced quieter moments of relaxation, finding peace in the simple pleasures of life.

Losing a loved one is one of the hardest experiences, and words can feel so small in the face of such a loss. But please remember, as you navigate this path, that you’re not alone. Every memory you hold dear is a piece of Margie’s light that will stay with you always. 

As we honor our beloved Margie today, let us hold close the love and memories she shared with us. Though we say goodbye, her spirit lives on in our hearts, guiding and comforting us. May we carry Margie’s legacy forward with grace and find peace in the love we share.

Thank you for being part of this remembrance, for sharing in our grief, and for celebrating the incredible legacy Margie has left behind.

Friends and family are invited to attend visitation on Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 10:00am - 11:30 am with a Celebration of Life service to begin at 11:30am. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 783 Watervliet Shaker Rd., Albany NY, 12205.

Ms. Margie's service will be available on Livestream, which will begin on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 11:15am.