Obituary of Mary A. Rufus

Mary A. Rufus August 30, 1937 - February 20, 2012 Mary A. Rufus, 74, of Syracuse, New York departed this mortal life on Monday February 20, 2012 at Upstate University Hospital, surrounded by family after a short illness. She was a member of Shield of Faith Ministries, Syracuse New York. She was born on August 30, 1937 in Pinson, Tennessee to the union of loving parents, the late Ira and Estellar Rufus. She attended public schools in Jackson, Tennessee. She was a resident of Syracuse, New York most of her adult life. She was formerly employed many years with Home Aides of Central New York and later retired as a well known crossing guard with the Syracuse Police Department after fifteen years of service in 2008. Mary enjoyed visiting the sick in hospitals and nursing homes, where she would share the Word of GOD to it's residents, also singing in her church choir, sewing, spending time at the areas senior citizens community centers, loved her family, close friends and devoted herself to them. She was preceded in death by her father, Ira Rufus; mother, Estellar Rufus; her brothers, R. B., James, Alonzo and Clarence Rufus; sister, Mildred Love; grandchildren, Terrquasia Davis and Apple Jack 'Dereck' Williams. Mary leaves to mourn her passing, cherish her memory and celebrate her life nine children, Pamela Cook of Jackson, Tenesee, Robert Horton Jr. (Valarie), Troy Horton (Maritza), Linda Wheat, Matthew Horton (Blossom) all of Syracuse, New York, Alicia Y. Goodman of Edgewood, Maryland, Octavia L. Horton, Anastasia L. Williams (Derrick) and Alvina P. Grant all of Syracuse, New York; four sisters Ozell Scruggs of Syracuse, New York, Christine Womack of Jackson, Tennessee, Johnnie M. Rufus of Detroit, Michigan and Lillie B. Lee (Jimmy) of Syracuse, New York; one brother, Carlos E. Rufus of Jackson, Tennessee and one special sister-in-law, Ruby M. Rufus; 35 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins and friends. Services will be held Monday, February 27, 2012 at Bellegrove Missionary Baptist Church, 219 West Castle Street, Syracuse, New York with viewing from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, 940 Comstock Avenue, Syracuse, New York 13210.