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Lola Mae Ruffin was born on September 16, 1923, to the late William and the late Thelma Staton in Martin County, NC. She was the oldest of five children. Lola Mae transitioned to Glory on October 13, 2017, in Wilson, NC, at the home of her daughter, Connie Stanley and husband, Charles Stanley. Lola Mae was married to the love of her life, the late Larry Thomas Ruffin. She attended the area schools in Pitt County, NC. Lola Mae was an active member of Riddick Chapel Missionary Baptist Church for most of her life. For many years she sang in the choir. Lola Mae worked at Black and Decker in Tarboro, NC, where she retired. She was a member of Grand Court Order of Calanthe and The Bethel Flower Club. Her special friend, the late George “Mr. George” Worsley adored her for many years. Lola Mae enjoyed gardening and tending to her house plants. Most recently she was showered with flowers for her 94th birthday. Although she would vehemently deny it, she was a great cook and served many wonderful Sunday dinners. Sweet tea and Pepsi were her favorites! Spending time with her children and loved ones gave her the most happiness, as could be seen in most of her pictures. Lola Mae was kind and caring, as result of her generous spirit and pleasant personality, she was respected, admired and loved by many. Lola Mae Ruffin was preceded in death by her son, Andrew Staton; her brother, Russell David “RD” Staton; her two sisters, Edna Mack and Johnnie Mae Jones; two grandchildren, Mattie Rasheena Brown and Deodus “D” Harrell. Lola Mae leaves to cherish her memory, six children, Lynteen Harrell (Samuel) of Portsmouth, VA, Bonnie Howell of Hampton, VA, Connie Stanley (Charles) of Wilson, NC, Wallace Ruffin (Audra) of N. Chesterfield, VA, Michael Staton of Greenville, NC, and a bonus daughter, Dianne Wilson (James) of Winterville, NC; two brothers, William Staton (Gina) of Greenville, NC and Robert Staton (Faye) of Delaware; six sisters, Geraldine Baker (Joe) of Plymouth, NC, Doris Saunders (Charles) of Jamesville, NC, Rosa Norman (Nathaniel) of Roper, NC, Janie Cooper (George) of Plymouth, NC, Fannie Staton of Plymouth, NC; and Saundra Staton of Grimesland, NC; twentysix grandchildren; thirty-eight great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; a host of loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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Mrs. Lola Mae Ruffin

September 16, 1923 - October 13, 2017