In Loving Memory of Wilie Verdell Ruffins

Willie Verdell Ruffins passed away on February 24, 2025, in Munster, IN. She spent her final days in Calumet City, IL, where she resided with her daughter, Latricia Ruffins, and grandchildren, William J. Ruffins and Valencia J. Johnson. She was surrounded by loved ones in her final moments.

To many, she was known as Ms. Verdell, Little Verdell, or simply Verdell, but to her children, she was lovingly called Mama, and to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was Grandma.

Verdell had a passion for crocheting, creating beautiful blankets, scarves, and baskets, which she generously gifted to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and others. She also loved music, with Smokey’s Soul Town on Sirius XM being her favorite station. In her younger years, she found joy in cooking, bowling, fishing, dancing, and hosting family and friends for the holidays. A true caregiver at heart, she always put others before herself. She had a radiant and contagious smile, often seen beaming as she engaged in the things she loved most. While she appreciated many of life’s joys, nothing meant more to her than the love she had for her family.

 A Life Well-Lived

Willie Verdell Ruffins was born on December 28, 1944, in Gordonville, Lowndes County, AL, to the late Mary Lee Johnson-Rudolph and John Arthur Johnson. She was the youngest of two children, preceded in death by her sister, Ida Mae (Johnson) Hardy. An intelligent and determined young woman, Verdell graduated from Lowndes County Training Academy in 1962 as salutatorian of her class. Despite life’s challenges, she persevered and embraced every moment.

Raised in a sharecropping family, Verdell learned essential life skills such as cooking, sewing, and gardening, which shaped her self-sufficiency and became valuable lessons she later passed down to her children and grandchildren.

In the late 1960s, Verdell moved to Chicago, IL, where she later married Willie “Bright” Middleton, also from Lowndes County, AL. (Collirene,AL.). From this union, three children were born: Michael (Gloria Reed) Johnson of Gordonville, AL; Anthony (Gloria Jackson) Middleton of Dolton, IL; and Andrea Middleton of South Holland, IL. Though this marriage ended, Verdell later found love again and married William Ruffins of Chicago, IL. Together, they welcomed twin daughters: Leticia (John Simpson) Simpson of Maricopa, AZ, and Latricia Ruffins of Calumet City, IL.

                          Verdell was preceded in death by both Willie Middleton and William Ruffins.

Cherished Memories

Verdell leaves behind a legacy of love and strength, treasured by her five children: Michael C. Johnson, Anthony W. Middleton, Andrea D. Middleton, Leticia Simpson, and Latricia Ruffins. She is also survived by seven beloved grandchildren: LaShawn D. Moore, Amanda R. Washington, Carlos J. Washington III, Valencia J. Johnson, Ericka D. Moore, William J. Ruffins and Ethan J. Ruffins. As well as four great-grandchildren: Ariel Johnson, Ariana Johnson, Dayana Hamilton, and Amaya Washington.

Additionally, she leaves behind a goddaughter, Zenobia Ficklin, along with her children, Ze’Maya, Zenisha, and Zariyah Ficklin.

                            Verdell was preceded in death by her grandson, DeAndre Zachary-Middleton.

 Special Acknowledgments

A special mention goes to her dear childhood friend and family friend, Mr. Frank Logan; her former son-in-law, Erick Moore, whom she loved like a son; her closest and dearest cousin, Willie Ruth Myrick; and her beloved niece, Ethel Philpott. She is also remembered by a host of family and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Verdell’s kindness, resilience, and love will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/verdell-ruffins/obituary/

Copy