Deborah Ann Ryan Ruffin

Deborah Ann Ryan Ruffin went to her heavenly home on Friday, March 20, 2026 due to complications during a medical procedure at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Deborah was born in Natchez, Mississippi on May 19, 1951. She grew up in Laurel, Mississippi where she met the love of her life and best friend, Russell Ruffin. She graduated from R.H. Watkins High School in 1969 and Jones County Junior College two years later. She and Russell married at First Baptist Laurel in the Spring of 1972 and enjoyed 54 years of love and friendship. They welcomed their son, Joseph, in the Spring of 1974, daughter, Samantha, in the Winter of 1976, and twin daughters, Sara and Anna, in the Summer of 1979. She was a beloved member of Soso First Baptist during the 80’s and 90’s, and Audubon Drive Bible in Laurel from thereafter until she passed. She was adored by her fellow employees at Soso Elementary where she served as the Librarian while her children were in school, and cherished in her role as Secretary and Book Store Manager at Audubon. Above all, her favorite job was loving her family, and she was the very best at that. Deborah often spoke of her travels abroad, most frequently of her trip to Paris. She was a true connoisseur. She was an avid collector of blue-and-white ceramics, Le Creuset cookware, and most importantly, bunny figurines :) She spread joy to all who knew her through her exceptional sense of humor, soothing hugs, and contagious laughter. And through any trial she faced, she was sustained by her unwavering hope in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was welcomed into heaven by her mother, Francis Ryan, and her beloved daughter, Anna Franklin. Her memory lives on here through her devoted husband, Russell Ruffin, sister Gail (Samuel Wildman), children Joseph (Amy), Samantha, Sara (Matthew Stough), Neil Franklin, her grandchildren Lauren (Joseph Morgan), Ryan Peterson, Andrew and Emma Franklin, and Elliana Stough, and great-grandchildren Foster and Charlotte Morgan. One of her favorite passages of scripture was Psalm 103… My soul, bless the LORD, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. My soul, bless the LORD, and do not forget all his benefits. He forgives all your iniquity; He heals all your diseases. As for man, his days are like grass — he blooms like a flower of the field; when the wind passes over it, it vanishes, and its place is no longer known. But from eternity to eternity the LORD’s faithful love is toward those who fear him. Bless the LORD, all his works in all the places where he rules. My soul, bless the LORD! (Verses 1-3, 15-17, 22) Deborah Ruffin, known affectionately to her family by her Matriarchal title, Mia, was and is a treasured wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend forever. She will be greatly missed for all the joys she brought to our lives. The service will be on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Audubon Drive Bible Church with visitation to follow. The address is 2601 Audubon Drive Laurel, MS 39440. If you're looking for clothing suggestions for the service, Deborah always loved floral patterns and would have been delighted to have them worn in her honor :) To sign the online guest book, visit: www.memorychapellaurel.com

Deborah Ann Ryan Ruffin

May 19, 1951 - March 20, 2026