Gladys Ruff Obituary

Gladys Ilinda Hoskins Ruff

A Beautiful Soul

Gladys Ilinda Hoskins Ruff, 68, journeyed to her heavenly home surrounded by her loving family on Friday,

August 16, 2024, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS. Gladys was born to John Hoskins, Sr.

and Beatrice Hoskins Shannon on October 25, 1955, in Tupelo, MS.

She gave her life to Christ at an early age, where she was a member of Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church.

In 1978 she met the love of her life, Joe Ruff, her husband. In 1983 she gave birth to the pride and joy of her

life, Jill Ruff, her daughter.

Tupelo schools that she attended are Green Street, Milam, George Washington Carver High and Tupelo High

School. She went on to graduate from Valley State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business

Administration and a minor in Education.

Her work history includes the following: the Regional Rehabilitation Center, Lift Inc., Apartment Manager for

Evergreen and Glen Kirk Apartments, McRae's/Belk's and she retired from the City of Tupelo as the Permit's

Manager. She had an outstanding work ethic, which was undeniable. She was a very humble lady, and her

humility was only surpassed by her love for family and friends. She was the epitome of a "virtuous woman"

(Proverbs 31:10-31), whose life was a testament to grace, strength, and unwavering kindness.

Gladys was very concerned with the training of our youth. She created the Rising Star Drill Team that became

a part of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Celebration. Also, as the Director of the Summer Youth Program for

the City of Tupelo, she had an opportunity to touch, guide and enrich many young lives. She joined Springhill

M. B. Church in 2001, where she was a faithful member and served as the financial secretary until she was

called to be with the LORD!

Gladys was multi-talented with numerous gifts that touched the hearts of many. Her love language was shown

through her tasteful treats, good cooking, and arts & crafts. Her passion for typography was evident in

everything she did from personalized programs within the church and the community. One of her memorable

contributions included formatting the Annual Program Booklet for the UNCF Banquet. She had an eye for detail

and a heart full of love, which she poured in every project she undertook.

She is survived by her husband, Joe, her daughter Jill. Three sisters: Mearion Adams Smith (Rev. Clarence),

Tupelo, MS; Mariea Johnson Burress (Anthony), Baldwyn, MS; Katrina Johnson Stokes, Tallahassee, FL and

a special Sister-Karen Neely, Cordova, TN; Seven brothers, six which reside in Tupelo, MS: Willard Shannon,

Terry Shannon, Jerome Shannon, John Hoskins, Jr. (Darlene), Timothy Hoskins (Tracey), Kimmeth Johnson

(Camilla) and Rodney Johnson, Schenectady, NY.; Two Sisters in-law, Step-Daughter: LaToya D. Williams;

Step-Grandchildren-Kala, Stanley and Kyran; Aunts: Gladys Knowles (her namesake), Jessie Whiteside (Joe),

Rosie Douglas. Uncle: Leroy Springer and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her (mother) Beatrice Hoskins Shannon (father) John Hoskins, Sr., (sister)

Paulette Hoskins, (brother) Daniel Johnson, (grandmother) Mearion Trice Forbes, (aunt) Barbara Trice King.

(uncles) Willard Johnson, Ricky Trice and Delacy Clanton.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024 at Springhill M. B. Church 3pm-6pm.

Services will be at 1.00pm, Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Springhill M. B. Church in Tupelo, MS.