A beloved Wildcat custodian, Anna Ruffin, 79, passed away on October 15 but yet her love and dedication to Carter Woodson and the Hopewell Schools’ family are still very much alive, her stories are still shared, and her ever present voice on the walkie talkies at Woodson will not soon be forgotten.
Ruffin began and ended her career as a Carter Woodson Middle Wildcat custodian. She joined the division in 1977, serving a short time as a substitute custodian, hired by former principal Oliver Thomas, and becoming head custodian later that same year. After serving with eight principals, countless teachers, and students, she retired from the division in 2015 after 38 years of dedicated, unwavering service.
Although never crossing paths as HCPS Dr. Melody Hackney has been blessed with stories and memories of Ruffin, sharing in the love she had for the Wildcats and Hopewell Schools.
"Our HCPS family was saddened to hear of the passing of Ms. Ruffin. She was a long-time employee and friend of our school district. We celebrate her life and her immeasurable contribution to Hopewell City Public Schools."
A home-going celebration will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, October 20, 2017, at Friendship Baptist Church, 1305 Arlington Road, Hopewell, Va. Pastor Norwood Carson, eulogizing. Burial will immediately follow the service at The Coleman Family Cemetery, Prince George, Va. Family will be receiving other family and friends at the residence.