Bessie Lillian Ruffin passed away on Thursday, March15, 2018 at the age of 87. She was a native of Bertie County, NC, but has been a resident of Hampton for the last 65 yrs. She was a faithful member of Little Zion Baptist Church in Hampton, and referred to by many as "Mother Ruffin". She was the founding host for the Prayer Partners' monthly Prayer breakfast held at Little Zion Baptist Church for over 35 yrs. In addition she was a host of the Prayer Partners New Members Radio Broadcast.

She was preceded in death by her husband Willie H. Ruffin, mother Beatrice Bazemore, father Wendell Evans, two brothers Joseph Evans and Randolph Bazemore, and sister, Ruth Riley. She leaves to cherish her memories seven sisters, one brother, six children, nineteen grandchildren, and forty-four great grandchildren.

Viewing will be Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at Cooke Brothers Funeral Chapel, from 5 to 8 pm in Newport News. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, March 22, 2018 at Little Zion Baptist Church, 1824 W Queen Street, Hampton at 12 noon. Pretow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake is in charge of arrangements.