Marilyn Elizabeth Ruffin , 67, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2023, surrounded by family and friends. Marilyn, or more affectionately known as "The Songbird" to many of her family and friends, was born on August 15, 1955 to the late Bennie Lewis Ruffin, Sr. and Arginetta Hawkins Ruffin in Trenton, New Jersey.

Marilyn's education began in Trenton in 1960, and ended in Newport News Public Schools where she graduated in 1973 from Warwick High School. For a short while, she attended Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia where her most favorite memory was singing with VCU's choir, Black Awakening . She worked faithfully at the Newport News City Hall, beginning as a Clerk Typist for the Office of Human Affairs in June of 1978, and retiring as an Administrative Coordinator for the Department of Intergovernmental & Community Relations in September of 2011 – a total of 34 years. Marilyn also was actively involved in organizations such as the Hampton Chapter of the NAACP, and served as a Notary Public.

In her spare time, Marilyn loved to read. She owned many books, and was the founder and president of the book club, Ethnic Fusion . She supported authors by coordinating and attending book events, and obtained many autographs of both emerging and well-known authors. Whether at work or in her spare time, her straight-forward personality fused with her bright smile and hearty laughter established many friendships.

Marilyn answered to her calling in life as early as 6 years old, when her 1 ^st grade teacher asked her mother had she ever really listened to Marilyn sing. Her mother said she hadn't and asked Marilyn to sing a song for her. A short while later, Marilyn stood on a box so she could be seen in front of the congregation at a United Holy Church Convocation held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and belted out "The Lord's Prayer" with vocal ability that amazed the entire congregation. The rest is history. Her acceptance of Jesus Christ in 1977 further confirmed her calling to lead others to Christ through the gift of singing. Many people have been spiritually moved by Marilyn's blessed and powerful voice – a voice that will truly be missed. When her health no longer allowed her to minister in song, Marilyn continued to inspire others as well as herself with daily scriptures shared on Facebook. One of her last inspirational memes was about forgiveness and read, "Dear Lord, search my heart. Reveal to me any remaining burs of hurt where I have attempted to forgive apart from You. I pray You would cover these hurts in Your healing grace, and through Your strength, empower me to forgive others as wholly and completely as You first forgave me. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

Marilyn is preceded in death by her father and mother, Bennie Lewis, Sr. and Arginetta Hawkins Ruffin. Left to cherish her memory is her only son, Marcus Eugene Ruffin and god-daughter, Danielle Peterson, 3 siblings: Bennie L. Ruffin, Jr., Carrie I. Thigpen, and Patti R. Smith, 2 nephews: Karlton L. Ruffin and Jay A. Moore, 5 nieces: Karolyn L. Ruffin, Kimberly T. Millionaire, Kaycee T. Hall, Stacey D. Outlaw, Toni L. Thigpen, and many more family members and friends who all loved her dearly.

Our hearts are broken as we say goodbye for now, but as Marilyn has encouraged so many others before with the song "I Must Go On" by Shirley Miller, we can hear her singing now to us these words:

We must go on, in spite of the cost, for nothing would be a greater loss, than not to be able to see Him someday face to face.

A wake service will be held from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 28, 2023 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel.  A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Full Gospel Kingdom Church 215 32nd St. Newport News, VA.