Barbara Ruffin Lambert

Barbara Ruffin Lambert was born July 27, 1944 to the union of the late Washington G. Ruffin Sr. and Lillian J. Ruffin in Norfolk, VA. Barbara was the older sister of Washington G. Ruffin Jr. who, after not being able to pronounce his name as a child, affectionately called him "Brother".
Barbara received her early education in the Norfolk, Virginia public school system, where she graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1962. While in high school Barbara was not only a beautiful debutante, but she could also beat anyone who dared to face her in a footrace. Barbara was a smart, precocious, inquisitive, social butterfly, who's smile would light up a room, and her father affectionately referred to her as his "Big Pretty Baby". As a child, Barbara was an active member in church where she participated in the youth organizations and choir. In her past she loved cheerleading, roller skating, riding bikes and going to the movies with friends.
Barbara attended Norfolk State University, formerly known as the Norfolk Division of Virginia State College where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. While at Norfolk State, her childhood friend, Tomasine Smith (Ward) introduced Barbara to the love of her life, a 6 '3 handsome quarterback from Baltimore, Maryland named Eugene Lambert. Barbara & Eugene had an instant connection. While Barbara was attracted to Eugene's strong, calm, disposition, Eugene was attracted to her loving, sweet spirit, beautiful smile, and gorgeous legs! Knowing that an advanced degree was important, she later obtained a Masters in Education from Wilmington University.
After dating for five years on August 26,1967, Barbara and Eugene were united in Holy Matrimony at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia. Shortly after being married the newlyweds moved to Mound, Minnesota, Eugene's first Army active duty station. While in Minnesota, Barbara worked as a special education teacher at the Michael Dowling Elementary School. This was short lived because Eugene received orders to deploy to Vietnam in December, 1968. At this time Barbara moved back home to Norfolk, Virginia to be closer to her family, and continued her career as a school teacher in Virginia Beach. Barbara being Barbara decided to purchase the couple's first car, an Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, despite not having a driver's license. Needless to say, her father wouldn't let her drive until she received her license.
Barbara & Eugene would go on to share 62 wonderful years together, 57 of which they were married. During their union they lived in several different locations and Barbara continued to pursue her love of being an educator. In 1971, while stationed in Virginia Beach, VA the couple welcomed their first child, Shaun Eugene. Three years later, the family moved to El Paso, TX where the couple welcomed their second child Sonya Nicole in 1974.
In 1978, after moving to Delaware, Barbara accepted a teaching position with the Christina School System. Barbara taught special education at the elementary and high school levels for more than 29 years. She retired from Glasgow High School in 2007.
During her retirement, Barbara tried her hand at sales and became Mary Kay Cosmetics top saleswoman of the month.
Barbara joined the illustrious organization of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Wilmington (Delaware) Alumnae Chapter in Fall, 1988, as #17 on the Nobility Line. As a Golden Life Member, Barbara was dedicated to community service, participating on committees and attending social outings. Barbara was a Kappa Silhouette and a member of Jack and Jill and the Ladies of Leisure. One of the social groups Barbara treasured the most was her Black Santa's Club and accumulating over 300 black Santas that she lovingly displayed during the Christmas season. The family was enlisted each season to help assemble her collection for all to enjoy, and to put them away until the next year. Barbara was also an avid traveler who recently was able to travel to her bucket list destinations of Hawaii, London, and Seattle.
Barbara enjoyed an active spiritual and social life. As a spiritual woman, who loved God and walked with the Lord, Barbara was an active member of the Cornerstone Fellowship Baptist Church in Wilmington, Delaware for over 30 years. As a member she served on the Ephesians and Elite Committees and Usher board.
Barbara was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, play mother, sister and aunt who guarded her family fiercely, often affectionately called the "Protective Detective". Barbara loved the Holidays (especially Christmas) and family gatherings, where not only family, but friends were always welcomed. From her affectionately naming Shaun's friends "The Chain Gang", to referring to Sonya's friends as "Her Daughters", Barbara spread love to those that knew her and were blessed with her presence. Anyone who knew Barbara, fell in love with her instantly! Barbara was a loyal friend, mentor, confidant, and advisor. You could always count on Barbara to "show up and show out" when it counted the most! There was nothing that Barbara wouldn't do to see her family and friends smile!
Barbara made her transition on October 24, 2024 surrounded by family and friends at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Barbara leaves to cherish her memory: her husband of 57 years, Eugene, son Shaun,Sr (Katherine), daughter Sonya (James), four grandsons: Branford (Megan), Shaun Jr., Christopher and Aaron, two Great-grandchildren: Hannibal and Kahrii, brother Washington Ruffin (Quetta), a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, "play" children and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter, Alexandra and beloved aunts and uncles.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Cardiac Cr ital Care Medicine, In Memory of Barbara Lambert.