Minnie L. Ruff

Minnie Lee Hammond Ruff was born on April 6, 1929, in Barnwell, South Carolina, the daughter of the late Leon and Martha (Harley) Hammond. In His sovereign will, God peacefully called Minnie Lee  from this earthly life on Friday morning, January 16, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

She received her education in the public schools of Barnwell County, South Carolina.

During her early adult life, she relocated to Columbia, South Carolina, where she was united in holy matrimony to the late Thomas Ruff. She later moved to Brooklyn, New York, where she spent many years before retiring and returning to Columbia, South Carolina, where she resided for the past eleven years.

Minnie was a hardworking and dedicated woman. She was employed as a seamstress at Jennifer Dale Sleepwear Manufacturing Company in Brooklyn, New York. Later, she transitioned into the home health service industry, where she faithfully provided compassionate care to the Parrish family for many years, until the time of their passing.

She was a woman of faith and worship. In her early years, she was a member of Jordan Baptist Church in Barnwell, South Carolina, and later affiliated with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Church in Brooklyn, New York.

Minnie found joy in gardening, cooking, and sewing, and she was known for her loving, kind, and gentle spirit.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her beloved Clayton Miller, Jr. and Early Trice; grandson, Bakari Ruff; son, Thomas Ruff, Jr.; granddaughter, Tanisha Ruff; son-in-law, Peter Roy Hemmings, and sisters, Jannie L. Jackson and Susanna J. Scott.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories three daughters, Phileria Frans, Yvonne Hemmings, and Patricia Ruff, all of Columbia, South Carolina; one son, Cornell (Joyce) Ruff of North, South Carolina; stepdaughter, Angela Trice; one sister, Martha R. Sanders of Columbia, South Carolina; 10 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving relatives, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

To God be the glory for a life well lived!

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