Evelyn Ruffin

Evelyn Hopkins Ruffin, resident of Biloxi, MS, passed away at the age of 85 on Sunday, July 20, 2014 at Memorial Hospital of Gulfport. Evelyn was born in Pushmataha, Alabama, the daughter of Earl and Maggie Hopkins. She was preceded in death by several siblings: Robert, Roger, Thomas, Addie Curtis, Johnnie Mae Winborn, Earl and Charlie. Evelyn was married to the late James Ruffin, Sr., and to this union was born 11 children of whom 3 preceded her in death Roy Ruffin (2011), Patsy Ruffin (2009) and Rose Ruffin (1965). Her friends called her Sohn. She moved to Biloxi in 1965 with the help of her elder brother, Thomas Hopkins to make a better life for her family. She found employment at the Tradewinds Hotel where she formed a working relationship with the late Robert �Bobby� Mahoney, Sr. and Mary C. Mahoney. When they decided to open a little French caf� in downtown Biloxi in 1973, they asked her to join them, she was known as the �master beignet maker� no one could touch her beignets. She remained there until its temporary closing due to Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005. Evelyn was a mother to everyone she met, she was filled with wisdom, whit, understanding and most of all she was straight to the point. After retirement, she lived a vibrant life with her daughter and grandchildren. She enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune, traveling, going to yard sales, going to church, shopping, and most of all spending time with her family. Evelyn began her spiritual journey at an early age with a strong walk with the Lord which guided her throughout her entire life as she raised her children. She exemplified the true meaning of a �virtuous woman� and what it meant �to put all your trust in the Lord�. Evelyn became a faithful member of Tabernacle Baptist Church on August 13, 1997 and later joined Main Street Baptist Church. Evelyn is survived by 4 brothers and sisters, Hollis Hopkins of D�Iberville, MS; Lonnie (Evelyn) Hopkins of Chicago, IL; Annie Ruffin of Biloxi, MS and Beulah (Edward) Wright of Vancleave, MS. To cherish precious memories that she left behind are eight children; Willie (Evelyn) Ruffin of Maywood, IL; James (Nikki) Ruffin of Biloxi, MS; Thomas (LaShonda) Ruffin of Biloxi MS; Juanita Joseph (Michael) of Okinawa Japan; Faye (James) Washington of Houston, TX; Evelyn Joyce Dunnell of Biloxi, MS; Carion(Kevin) Hill of Tampa, FL and Linda Phillips of Biloxi, MS. She also leaves loving memories with 33 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives. The Ruffin Family wants to express sincere gratitude to the staff at Memorial Hospital of Gulfport, Dr. Yasharee Bethala of Biloxi Internal Medicine and Gentiva Hospice. We also would like to thank all those who spoke words of encouragements, acts of kindness, thoughts and prayers throughout this difficult time for us. Funeral services for Mrs. Evelyn Ruffin will be held Friday July 25, 2014 at 11:00am at Main Street Baptist Church on 321 Main Street.