Patricia Watson Carpenter Ruffin

1935 - 2025

Patricia Watson Carpenter Ruffin

April 22, 1935 - July 17, 2025

Pat Ruffin, 90, passed away on July 17, 2025 in Richmond, Va., where she was a longtime resident. She was the devoted daughter of John Robert Carpenter and Elise Taylor Carpenter, of Tarboro, N.C., who preceded her in death. She was a supportive sister to Virginia and niece Sharon, who preceded her in death.

Pat graduated from Tarboro High School in 1953 and enjoyed lifelong friendships with her classmates, attending many class reunions with her high school sweetheart and husband of 69 years, Mack Thomas Ruffin, III.

She graduated from the Johnston-Willis Hospital School of Nursing in 1972 and worked as the school nurse at Armstrong High School for over 25 years. She fully supported student life, sponsoring clubs and winning many awards for her commitment to the health and wellbeing of her students.

In her retirement, she continued to be involved in education by volunteering weekly as an elementary school classroom assistant. Pat and Mack explored the world, as they first had when living in France during Mack's military career, on a series of cruises taking in the corners of the earth from Australia to Alaska. She loved sewing and enjoyed the many friendships she made at the American Sewing Guild. She especially loved sharing her craft with family and friends. Pat was a loving grandmother and great-grandmother who enjoyed a game of cards or dominoes with them, and hearing the laughter of her family.

She is survived by her husband, Mack T. Ruffin, III; her son, Dr. Mack T. Ruffin, IV, his wife, Kathy Carter; and grandsons, Noah and Sean and his wife, Julia;

Her daughter, Margaret Ruffin Horvath; and grandson, Stephen;

Her daughter Susan Ruffin Clark, her husband, H. Duffey Clark, Jr.; granddaughter, Shelby, her husband, Andy; and great-grandchildren, Caden and Kennedy; granddaughter, Samantha, her husband, Chris; and great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Sophie; four nephews and numerous cousins; all beloved by her.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 6000 Grove Avenue, Richmond, Va. 23226. The service will be broadcast live at the following link: https://ststephensrva.org/memorial-stream/.

The family will receive guests at a reception in the church hall following the service.

Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery, 1298 Peach St., Tarboro, N.C., at 1 p.m. on Wednesday July 30, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to St. Stephen's Episcopal Church https://ststephensrva.org/give/ or Mail to 6000 Grove Avenue, Richmond, Va. 23226.