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Ruth WHITFIELD Obituary
Mrs. Ruth E. Whitfield (86), eldest victim of the Buffalo Massacre on May 14, 2022. She is survived by her soulmate of 68 years, Garnell W. Whitfield, Sr.; her children, Robin Harris (Philip), Garnell Whitfield, Jr. (Cassietta), Angela Crawley (Melvin) and Raymond A. Whitfield; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren; seven siblings, and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. Services will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at the Mt. Olive Baptist Church located at 701 E. Delavan Ave., Buffalo, NY 14215. Visitation begins at 11:00 AM. Homegoing service at 12 PM.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ruth WHITFIELD
Carl and Linda
May 16, 2024
Our Condolences to the Family
jennifer
August 21, 2022
So sorry for your loss. I didn't know her but my heart goes out to her family and my heart breaks for what you are going through...
Davis
June 5, 2022
Dear Garnell, Sr, Robin, Angela, Garnell, Jr, Raymond, and All Family,
Words just cannot convey how saddened I am for your tragic loss, and I send heartfelt condolences to the Whitfield family, and the community. We look forward to the time when tragedies like this will not happen anymore, and we will live in true peace. Please know that your loving matriarch, Ruth, will not be forgotten; she will be remembered by all who loved her. Her legacy of love and kindness will continue.
May prayers strengthen you and cherished memories comfort you. The God of love and comfort will give you the strength and peace to cope. With deepest sympathy, may the power of prayer ease your sorrow, give you peace and provide much comfort for you during this difficult time. Wishing your family peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and loving cherished memories to forever hold in your hearts and hands. May God continue to comfort you. (Psalm 9:9,10)
Lisa Wilson
May 29, 2022
Angela, Mel and the entire Whitfield family,
I grieve with you for the loss of your beloved Mother Ruth. I pray the love and compassion of your many friends, family, coworkers will bring you comfort and peace. I pledge to you to continue to fight the evils of hatred and racism through love, good works and kindness. With deepest sympathy,
Patricia Ann Holmes
May 29, 2022
Mrs. Ruth Whitfield was a beautiful woman inside and out. May God receive her beautiful soul in Paradise with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
J. Whitfield
May 29, 2022
I am heartbroken to hear of your loss & sending so much love to your family. Rest in peace Ruth.
CASSANDRA MARTIN
May 28, 2022
My Prayers And Thoughts Are With The Family Members I Give My Deepest Sympathy.
Jen Angeloro
May 28, 2022
I didn´t know Ruth but am just so saddened by her senseless passing (along with the other victims) Am sad with you guys ... I can´t "do" anything other than what I do which is to live as best as I can w love and kindness- My heart is so so heavy ... Nothing left to say
Ronald Brooks
May 28, 2022
i am so sorry to hear this tragic news about a sweet soul what a tragic loss
Anita Gilmore-Cauthorn
May 28, 2022
To Angie, Crawley and the entire Whitfield family. I am saddened to hear of the loss of your beloved matriarch. May GOD rain healing and abundant BLESSINGS among you and your entire family.
LOVE ALWAYS,
Anita Gilmore-Cauthorn
Minnie Jackson
May 28, 2022
Peace and love to you from our Lord and Saviour Jesus the Christ, from the WHITFIELD family members mostly from Alabama but have members of the family across the country including a host in NY. Family or not we love you with the love of Jesus and pray for peace and endurance and strength during this time.
Rev. Minnie Whitfield Jackson
Sheila Hammond
May 28, 2022
Sending heartfelt condolences to Tiffany, Kamilah and the Whitfield family. May the memories of your loved one lift you up and sustain you through this time. Another Angel to watch over you. God bless
Robert & Sheral Nelson
May 28, 2022
Our condolences to the family, thinking and praying for the family
David Martin
May 28, 2022
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you all continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Grieving with you from Massachusetts.
Joyce Redeemar
May 28, 2022
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Whitfield family. May God bless and heal you during your hour of need.
Terry Day
May 28, 2022
My deepest sympathy and condolences to all the Whitfield family. Thinking of you all from Toronto canada. I send my love to all the family. Terry Day
Sharon Wynn-Pryor
May 28, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Patricia Burks
May 27, 2022
My sincere condolences to the family. May the healing power of The Lord help you during this tragedy.
Deborah Dubose Jenkins
May 27, 2022
There are no words i can say to ease your pain in the lost of your motherare families grew up on rich st i knew the love your mother shared with her family and friends and community my prayer for you and your family is to use those some values your mother gave you and hold on to your faith Gods promise to never leave or foresake you always praying for your family love you all Deborah Dubose Jenkins odenville alabama
Nicolas & Victoria Sciandra
May 27, 2022
We extend our condolences. Our hearts are with the Whitfield family.
Diane Wood
May 27, 2022
Sincere Condolences
Karen Okonowski Dunlap
May 27, 2022
Sending you prayers, hugs and anything else you and your family need. It was a pleasure and an honor to be your partner at the FBICA many years ago
Christopher M Clark
May 27, 2022
I lived in the next courtyard to your parents and Raymond for several years.
Your Mom was the first person to welcome Rob and myself to the neighborhood.
I had great respect and love for Ruth. I have respect for the whole family and remember how close, loving and how much the whole family is apart of the Fabric of the City of Buffalo.
My most sincere condolences to the whole family. Especially Mr. Whitfield, Garnell (Chief) & Raymond.
Patricia Fletcher Hines
May 26, 2022
My deepest condolences and prayers to family
Joseph and Tonette Mack
May 26, 2022
Angie and Crawley,
We were saddened to hear of this horrific tragedy and even more devastated when we learned that you, our dear friends, were directly impacted. Our heartfelt condolences are extended to you, your family, and all the families affected. God has given us a Comforter for times such as this. May you find solace in precious memories as you mourn the loss of your mother and celebrate her life. We love you!
Joe and Toni
Florence,SC
Kaaremah Ali
May 26, 2022
Jesus, You said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted"
This family is mourning; send them Your comfort now.
Wrap around Your arms around the Whitfield family and hold them tight.
Send angels of mercy to them.
Shower Your comfort the family through those around them,
and keep your grace and protection to comfort this family I give my sincere condolences.
Amem
Kaaremah Ali
Roxanne Campbell
May 25, 2022
My sincere condolences to the family in the loss of your mother. My prayer is that God will strengthen and comfort you during this challenging time.
Vanessa Mobley
May 25, 2022
To The Whitfield Family. My Condolences To You All. Praying for ALL of the Families.
Shirley Crawley
May 25, 2022
Sending love, thoughts, and prayers to the Whitfield family during this heart breaking time.
Ed and Wanda Mickens
May 25, 2022
You have our deepest sympathy in the loss of your Mother. She had to be a Great Mom to have raised and mentored a daughter like Angela; a dedicated mother and wife. You and your family will get through this. We can only control a few things-God controls all things. Love you and family. Ed & Wanda Mickens
Thomas R. Whitfield
May 25, 2022
I'm humbled and honored to share a last name with Mrs. Whitfield. We never met and probably aren't related, as I'm a white man living in Virginia, yet I feel compelled to respectfully express my condolences to her husband, children, family and community on the senseless tragedy of her passing. Please know that our entire nation grieves with each of you.
"Ruth" means "compassionate friend, abiding loyalty and devotion" and the Old Testament Book of Ruth is one of only two named after a woman. In looking at her sweet, smiling photos and reading the many tributes to this wonderful lady in media accounts worldwide, it's clear her grace, strength, wisdom and servant's heart live on. Mrs. Whitfield's love of others leaves an indelible and lasting legacy. May you find comfort in knowing that countless lives were enriched by having shared hers.
Jane Roberts
May 25, 2022
My deepest sympathy and prayers. I remember meeting the Whitfield's when they attended our church in Warwick, NY over 20 years ago -- they were a couple you wanted to be when you grew up. Ruth was such a giving person - sharing her testimony and beautiful singing voice to encourage others.
Abby S
May 25, 2022
I just watched the service for your mother/grandmother and it had me in tears. I am so sorry for the loss of your kind hearted relative. I wish you all peace as you navigate the dark days.
Gregory G Pridgeon
May 24, 2022
The Pridgeon Family ( relatives of Melvin Crawley's mother Bernice Pridgeon Crawley) extends our sincere sympathy to the entire Whitfield family upon the tragic loss of your dear loved one. My God continue to have mercy on you call.
Greg Pridgeon
Carlton Pridgeon
May 24, 2022
We are so sorry for your loss
Linda and Carl Pridgeon
Helen Washington and Family
May 24, 2022
To the Whitfield family, sending love and prayers. Ms Ruth was a wonderful person and great neighbor who we will dearly miss, may God give you all some peace as you go through this tribulation!
Andre Crawley
May 24, 2022
Those we have held in our arms for a little while, we hold in our hearts forever. Sharing Prayer and My Sincere Condolences to the entire Family
Minnie Bess
May 24, 2022
My condolences to the family May God continue to watch over u thru this tragedy and always remember everything good about your mother and God just put your arms this family and especially the father who will dearly miss his wife and also her family u will will be in my prayers and your mother is watching over u all the time making sure u are alright she is an angel and she is with Lord right now and just keep your head up everything will be alright and u all will get thru this
The Reyes-Morales Family
May 24, 2022
Sending prayers, hugs, and our love to the Whitfield family. Our sincerest and deepest condolences on the untimely passing of your dear mother, she was truly a very beautiful special person and will be missed. As you celebrate the life of this amazing woman take comfort in all the precious
memories you have and will continue to share over the years.
Michelle Dennis
May 23, 2022
My prayer and Condolences to the Crawley family. I worked with Sasha, her granddaughter in Ohio. May God be with you. Sending the Prayers from Impact Church.
Mary Stapleton-Carr
May 23, 2022
Condolences and prayers to the Family of Mrs. Ruthie E. Whitfield. May God give you His strength and His peace in Jesus' name from the Stapleton-Carr Family in Pearl, MS
Holly Churchill Bartel
May 23, 2022
You have my deepest sympathy. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time.
Sal Caterina
May 23, 2022
My prayers are with you Phil and your family.
Patricia Moore
May 23, 2022
I am a member of Mt. olive Church. To" GOD BE THE GLORY". GOD BLESS YOU ONE AND ALL!
Roosevelt Shaw
May 23, 2022
Prayers and Sympathy for the entire Whitfield family! Love is greater than hate, I pray that the love shown to this family will comfort you!
Brandy Chappelle
May 23, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Richie Lamar Jelks
May 23, 2022
My heart goes out to the Entire Whitfield Family. My child friend is Raymond Whitfield.
The Whitfield Family is a Proud Successful Black Private Family.
It was and is a privilege to me that they accepted and always treated me like a member of their family. Both our families was private. My mother treated Raymond like family, and Mrs Whitfield always embraced me like family.
Mrs Whitfield will always be in my heart. Death doesn´t apply to Mrs Whitfield... her spirit is a light of an eternal flame of integrity and peace.
!! I´VE ALWAYS LOVED YOU RAYMOND, YOUR BROTHER GARNELL... SISTERS ROBIN, ANGELA & YOUR MOTHER & FATHER !!
Richard Okeefe
May 23, 2022
Commissioner I just want to wrap my arms around you to tell you I love you, I´m always here for you, your a great guy, and my prayers are with you and your family!
Desiree Cruz-Nevilles
May 23, 2022
To the family of Ruth E. Whitfield,
My name is Desiree Cruz-Nevilles. I did not know Mrs. Whitfield personally, but I, like so many others, feel compelled to express my deepest sympathies. As a native Buffalonian this tragedy hits close to home for many reasons. Some twenty years ago, I too lost a family member to gun violence, a loss that changed our lives forever. With May 14ths tragic events, long buried emotions resurfaced as my family and I live 1 mile from this Tops location and often shop there. I am a proud Latina married to a good hardworking Black man and we have two beautiful biracial sons. It could have been one of us. Truth be told, it should have been NO ONE. As you grieve Miss Ruth´s loss, know that my family grieves with you. As you celebrate her memory, know that we, too, celebrate her sweet spirit. Continue to fight the good fight.
Sending all of you embraces of peace, comfort and courage.
~The Nevilles Family (Buffalo, NY)
Denise Lorette
May 23, 2022
Garnell and Family, words can not express the sympathy I would like to extend for the tragic loss of your beloved Mother. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. I pray your faith can provide you comfort.
Your friends at DHSES are here to support you in any way.
Dave O'Connor
May 22, 2022
With sadness and sympathy my deepest sympathy for this tragic and senseless loss. Dear Phil and Robin my heart breaks. Dave O'Connor
Deloris Fields (Jones)
May 22, 2022
Garnell, please know that you and your family are in our prayers. We also pray that your faith will help hold you all up at this time.
Deloris Fields (Jones)
May 22, 2022
Garnell, please know that you and your family are in our prayers.I especially pray that your faith will hold you all up at this time.
Minnie Abraham
May 22, 2022
I pray that GOD will comfort all of those who were deeply affected and moved by this senseless tragedy hearts are heavy as we grieve and mourn in times of SORROW. I am immensely SORRY. Whitefield family, and friends rest in eternal peace beloved Ruth E. Whitefield
Alan & Patricia Sailer
May 22, 2022
Our deepest condolences to the family
Beatrice Love
May 22, 2022
My deepest condolences to the family. May god hold you all in his loving arms through all of the grief and pain. I'm praying for you all
Linda Young
May 22, 2022
To the Whitfield family. My Thoughts, Condolences and Prayers for your loss. May the good Lord continue to comfort and strengthen you all, during this time of bereavement and days to come.
Duwayne Johnson
May 22, 2022
From Brown Deer, Wisconsin: To Family And Friends Of Mrs. Ruth Whitfield. My Deepest Condolences And Prayers With All Of You In The Loss Of Your Matriarch. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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