Annie Louise (Hines) Ruffin Strickland

UTICA -Annie Louise (Hines) Ruffin Strickland, age 79, went home to be with the Lord when she passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2018 in the comfort of her home with her loving family by her side. Born in Wilson, North Carolina on April 11, 1938, Annie was the daughter of the late Hattie Mae Hines. She was raised and educated in North Carolina. Annie was blessed with two children from her loving marriage to Percell Ruffin who passed away in 1983. She later entered into a unique union with Bobby Strickland, and in 1970 they made a visit to Utica and never went back..., Bobby passed in 1992. Annie worked at the St. Elizabeth Hospital as a member of their Housekeeping Department, the position from which she retired. Annie was a God-fearing woman who faithfully attended church and served on many committees, and she was beloved as Mother Strickland to many of the parishioners. But her family was her greatest joy and she was proud of each of her loved ones. She was wise, and when she spoke her piece, she held her position and did not back down. Annie was well-informed and you couldn’t get anything over on her. She was a quick thinker and had some witty lines that were so memorable. One of her most passionate past times was fishing and her family came to know this sport as well. She had numerous favorite spots and could secure the largest of fish with much grace. When she prepared the fish, she fried them to perfection, and made others aware that the best way to get a good catch was to be quiet when you were by the water...Annie’s others side showed her flair for being a stylish and sharp dresser, and everything in her outfit had to match. She also had a love for hats. She was an excellent cook and had a chance to prepare meals for an Italian family, and thus, her spaghetti was the “bomb”! Although she made a variety of cuisine, her soul food was the best, especially when it was shared with family at cookouts on Howard Avenue. Her loved ones have memories of Christmas celebrations that went on merrily all day, but there could be a problem if you touched the pineapple cake in the safe! Annie praised her Lord at the Greater Holy Temple Church of Jesus Christ on Howard Avenue. Above all else, her Lord and the blessing and respect of her family were the greatest graces of her life. Annie is survived by her children and their loves, Lula and Walter Hervey, Loretta Ruffin and Morris, Shonta Finch, Oreon Strickland, and Zyria Strickland, and Anthony and Carmen Ruffin. Always in her heart were the memories of her son Percell Ruffin, Jr. who passed away in 2009, and her daughter Barbara Ann Finch in 1993. She also leaves her grandchildren, Tracy Ruffin, Jennifer Ruffin, Antonio Finch, Taiwan Finch, Anita Ruffin, Cynthia Ruffin, Denisha Ruffin, Marquavis Ruffin, Casandra Ruffin, Patrick Billins, Chawntavia Ruffin, Morris Belle III, Anthony Ruffin Jr., Daequon Perkins, Shyanne Ruffin, Antonashja Ruffin, Nevaeh Ruffin, Antwain Ruffin, Marrisa Ruffin, and Maryann Ruffin. She was predeceased by her granddaughters Gladys Ruffin, and Karen Marie Strickland-Ruffin. Annie leaves her legacy to her beloved 44 great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, Helen and Neil Saxe, and friends, Sister Beavers, Sister Hendricks, and the late Sister Allen, as well as many dear friends in her church congregation. Annie was truly the matriarch of her family and was loved and respected by so many who knew her heart, her graces and her blessings. She was predeceased by her sister, Mattie Lucas and husband Charlie; and her daughter-in-law, Ellen Ruffin. The family extends their appreciation to Annie’s physician, Dr. Steven Sickler; the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center 6th Floor staff, especially Dino; and the personnel of Hospice & Palliative Care for their medical expertise and compassion; and Pastor Alvin Nelson and Annie’s congregational family who were such a blessing and whose prayers were a source of support and their generosity will not be forgotten. Visitation will be held Monday from 5:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South Street, corner of Hammond Ave. As well as Tuesday morning from 11:00-12:00 noon at the Greater Holy Temple Church of Jesus Christ, 1309 Howard Avenue. Annie’s funeral service and Home Going Celebration will commence on Tuesday at 12:00 noon at the church upon the conclusion of visitation with Pastor Alvin Nelson officiating the ceremony. Interment will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Annie Louise (Hines) Ruffin Strickland

April 11, 1938 - January 28, 2018