Emma Ruffin

Mrs. Emma Lee (Love) Ruffin was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, February 10, 2025, at the age of 88. Born to Willie Sr. and Annie (Powell) Love on December 23, 1936, in Chase City, Virginia, Emma was the seventh of ten children. 

 In 1959, she moved to the District of Columbia to embark on her adult life. There, she met and married Henry King Ruffin in 1960, and together  they had four children: Gwendolyn Yvonne, Beverly Laurine, Anthony King and Pamela Ann. After the untimely passing of her husband in 1974 at the age of 37, Emma embraced the role of primary breadwinner and caregiver for her family, often working two jobs to support them. She dedicated 20 years of service to the National Geographic Society in custodial services, often receiving awards for meritorious service, and spent 10 years working for a federal contracting company before retiring in 2004 at the age of 68. Emma accepted Jesus Christ as her savior early in life and was baptized as a young girl in her hometown church. Upon moving to the District, she joined Trinidad Baptist Church in the Northeast section of the District and often attended Vermont Avenue Baptist Church in Northwest D.C. with her sisters later in life.

 Emma was a beautiful, proud and fiercely independent woman who tirelessly provided for her family, serving as an extraordinary role model of strength and perseverance. She was a quiet, dignified lady who loved the color red and enjoyed listening to her R&B favorites like Marvin Gaye and Al Green during her leisure time. In her later years, Emma often watched church services on television when her health prevented her from attending in person. She was a truth-teller who believed in the power of honesty and directness, holding firm to the belief that the truth would set you free. She instilled in her children and grandchildren the importance of hard work and righteousness, encouraging them to always strive and believe in God's transformative power and to never let anyone "low rate you." Emma was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Ruth and Estherine, and brothers Willie Jr., Alfred, James, and Richard. Her cherished life and legacy will never be forgotten by those she leaves behind: her children Gwen, Beverly, Anthony and Pam; her beloved granddaughters Maleeka and Mecca (McCutcheon); sons-in-law Paul (Burrowes) and Mark (McCutcheon); sisters Annie (Artis), Mildred (Younger), and Doris (Love); as well as three nieces, five nephews, and countless other relatives, friends, admirers, and well- wishers.

May She Rest in Eternal Peace and Dwell in the House of the Lord Forever

Please find the link below for the upcoming services to be conducted at Queen's Chapel UMC this friday.  

https://youtube.com/live/CJJjQUtAOW0?feature=share