Roxie Jean Ruff Smith, 75

August 23, 1949 – August 23, 2024

Roxie Jean Ruff Smith was born August 23, 1949 in Lee County, MS to the late James O. Ruff, Sr. and Hazel Mae Ruff. She was a graduate of Shannon High School Class of 1968. She later continued her education by graduating from Itawamba Junior College and later graduating from Mississippi State University in 1972 with a B.S. Degree in Business Education. She married James “Chopper” L. Smith on December 21, 1974. From this union two beautiful daughters were born, Nicole Smith and Brandy Smith. Later they welcomed a beautiful granddaughter, Taylor Babbitt.

Roxie was a retired Employment Interviewer at the WIN Job Center, retired part time Sales Associate for JCPenney, and was the local Avon sales representative. Roxie was a certified Ticket Commissioner for the Pleasant Grove Precinct Number 4 and the Tupelo 4 North Precinct.

At an early age, Roxie professed her hope in Christ at New Zion M.B. Church where she remained a faithful member until her earthly departure. She served and led numerous church boards and committees, and was currently serving as the church’s Treasurer. She also worked with the Springhill District Association and was currently serving as the district’s secretary. Roxie was a volunteer for special projects for the Town of Plantersville and was a member of numerous community service organizations. Roxie was a member of the 4-H Mississippi Volunteer Leadership Association and Lee County MS 4-H Club. Roxie was a Lifetime Silver Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Nu Sigma Omega Chapter, Tupelo, MS where she won the 2023 Nu Sigma Omega Chapter’s Silver Soror of the Year Award. She was also a member of the Salvation Army’s Women’s Auxiliary Committee, the National Council of Negro Women, and the Order of the Eastern Star Carolyn Lucas Chapter 515.

Roxie departed her earthly home, August 23, 2024 at the North Mississippi Medical Center. She leaves to cherish her memories: her devoted husband of 49 years, James “Chopper” L. Smith, her 2 daughters: Nicole Smith and Brandy Smith, both of Plantersville, MS, 1 granddaughter, Taylor Babbitt of Plantersville, MS, 1 nephew, Corey Malorey, Belden, MS; mother-in-law Addie Mae Butler Smith, Metairie, LA; 2 aunts: Robbie Schumpert, New Castle, DE and Mabel Marion, Plantersville, MS; 6 sisters-in-law: Mary Helen Love Ruff, Atlanta, GA, Delphine Remm, Milwaukee, WI, Pauline Smith, Harahan, LA, Jennifer Matthews, Moss Point, MS, Brenda Kay Cadaro, Kenner, LA, and Ann Smith, Gulfport, MS; one brother-in-law, William Smith, Metairie, LA. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, cousins, 3 special sister cousins: Arnita Moore, Shirley Francine Freeman, and Dorothy Jean Shannon, friends, and sorority sisters.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James O. Ruff, Sr. and Hazel Mae Ruff, her brother, James “Buddy” O. Ruff, Jr., her grandparents: Haze Marion and Fannie Lou Partlow, and Mark Ruff and Zelma Ruff.

Visitation will be on Thursday, August 29, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. followed by family hour from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at New Zion M.B. Church. Celebration of life will be Friday, August 30, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at New Zion M.B. Church.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.