In Loving Memory of Mary Helen Allen

September 13, 1947 – October 5, 2026

Forever Loved, Forever Remembered

Mary Allen, 79, passed away on Monday, October 5, 2026. Born Mary Helen Ruffin on September 13, 1947, in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, she was the daughter of Isaac Ruffin and Mary Helen Davis Ruffin.

Mary will be remembered for her strength, perseverance, resilience, and the precious memories she created with those who loved her. Her life and legacy will remain forever in the hearts of her family.

Family and Loved Ones

Mary is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Rasheba “Lisa” Ruffin; sons Rickie Ruffin and Justice Allen; future daughter-in-law Bernice Ruffin; granddaughter Rasheena Sanders and her husband Antoine Sanders; great-granddaughter Jazlyn Sanders; great-grandson Antoine Sanders II; grandchildren William Ruffin, Robert Ruffin, and Xavier Harris; and nephew Hebrew.

Her family also includes William Ruffin’s children, Tamir Ruffin and Lyric Ruffin; Rickie Ruffin’s children, Kamerin Ruffin, Kaylyn Ruffin, and Ricky Ruffin Jr.; and her niece Samona Allen Greene and Samona’s children: Christopher Allen, Arde’lia Allen Campagnani, Tori Greene, Terrance Greene, Tyrone Greene, and Gwendolyn Hackney.

Her siblings include Isaac Ruffin, William Ruffin, Gnease Ruffin, James Ruffin, Janie Ruffin, Nathaniel Ruffin, Renee Ruffin, and Boha (“Cookie”).

Preceded in Death

Mary was preceded in death by her son Kindu Ruffin; her husband Rodney Allen; son-in-law Robert Bradley; her parents Isaac Ruffin and Mary Helen Davis Ruffin; her sister Renee Ruffin; her brother Boha (“Cookie”); and family members William Ruffin, Gnease Ruffin, James Ruffin, and Janie Ruffin.

A Special Tribute from Her Granddaughter

Grandma, you were so much more than my grandmother. You were a precious part of my life, someone I loved deeply and someone I would go to any length to protect. I stood beside you, advocated for you, prayed for you, and loved you through every season. If love alone could have kept you here, you would have lived forever.

I will forever cherish the moments we shared, the sound of your voice, your smile, and the memories that no amount of time can ever take away. Although my heart aches because you are no longer physically here, I find comfort in knowing that the love we shared will never die. Your life mattered. Your voice mattered. Your story mattered. And as long as I have breath in my body, your memory will never be forgotten. I thank God for allowing me the privilege of being your granddaughter.

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” — Revelation 21:4 (KJV)

Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

Forever your loving granddaughter, Rasheena Sanders