Laura Denise Ruffin

Laura Denise (Kilpatrick) Ruffin was born on February 15, 1960 in Mobile, Alabama to Sidney Kilpatrick, Sr. (deceased) and Augusta K. Dexter. Laura spent her early years in Mobile, and in 1969, she relocated to Cleveland, Ohio with her sister, Diane (deceased), and her mother. Laura dedicated her life to Jesus Christ at a young age and after moving to Cleveland, she joined the Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church. While residing in Cleveland, she also met her husband of 30 years, Jonathan (Johnny) Ruffin. Laura always had a heart for helping others. From the age of fourteen, she began to serve as a volunteer, an activity which she committed herself to throughout her life. She favored work that allowed her to care for children, especially children with special needs. During her college summer breaks, Laura also worked at a center for physically-challenged children. In 1985, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Akron. Shortly thereafter, she relocated to the Washington DC Metropolitan area to be near her fiancé, Johnny. Johnny and Laura soon married and they have two lovely daughters, Christina and Mariah Ruffin. Laura worked at Providence Hospital, where she served as a postpartum labor and delivery nurse for 20 years. In her role, her focus was teaching new mothers how to care for themselves and their newborn babies. In her late-career life, she worked as a school nurse through the Prince George’s County Health Department. She served primarily at “high-need” schools with a high-student population of autistic children. Moreover, she volunteered in the nursery at her local church, Life Church (formerly Bible Baptist), for nearly two decades, where she shared her love, knowledge, and experience with infants and toddlers with her daughters.Others would have recognized Laura for her God-given gift to be able to comfort, communicate, and determine the needs of children, who were unable to express themselves. In her own words, Laura often described herself as someone of faith, perseverance, and a love for God. She often described her automobile accident on November 11, 1991 as a pivotal point in her life. Although she was severely injured, she affirmed, “God has sustained me.” Despite the unexpected trials and challenges that her life’s journey brought her, she never lost sight of her love and reliance on God, her willingness to help those in need, and her zest and courage to live life to the best of her ability. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted and beloved husband Jonathan Ruffin, two beloved daughters: Christina Ruffin, Mariah Ruffin; her beloved mother: Augusta K. Dexter; six sisters: Ruth Mosley, Lee Dubose, Dorothy (Willie) Baker, Evelyn Harper, Mary Ann (Lew) Bowling, Diane (Reynold) Ruffin (deceased); four brothers: Alonzo Kilpatrick (deceased), Sidney (Barbara) Kilpatrick, Stephen (Jackie) Kilpatrick (deceased), Conrad (Kathy) Kilpatrick, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles….” Isaiah 40:31