BARBARA JEAN WHITAKER (RUFFIN) was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 4, 1945, to the late Edna Whitaker and the late Roosevelt Cherry. In her childhood she attended the Philadelphia public schools, Martha Washington, Mayer Sulzberger and Overbrook High School.

In 1962 Barbara met the late Earl Smith and out of this relationship a son, Curtis A. Whitaker was born in May of 1963.

During the mid and late 1960's, Barbara was employed by the U. S. Postal Service and Whitman's Chocolate Company. She also returned to school in 1970 and made history by being in the first class of students to graduate from the newly established General Education Diploma (GED) Program.

Also, in 1970, Barbara met the late Edward G. Ruffin and they were married in 1971. Out of this union, their twin daughters, Kendra and Katriese were born.

In addition to raising her family, Barbara also served her community by working for the City of Philadelphia Board of Elections and served as Judge of lections for almost 20 years. She also was a census worker.

Barbara had many siblings who preceded her in death: Ethel Williams, Oliver Whitaker, James Whitaker, Edna V. Craig, Roosevelt (Sonny) Whitaker, Jessica Whitaker, Amanda Whitaker Lewis, Montez Whitaker and Renee Cherry.

She is survived by: her sister, Nadia Gaynelle Cherry Ware; brother, Tyrone and sister-in-law, Lois Cherry; brother, Dana and sister-in-law, Margarette Cherry; son, Curtis; daughter-in-law, Dianna; daughters, Kendra and Katriese Ruffin; grandchildren, Andrea' Whitaker, Lyanna, Andre, Samuel and Gabriel Ruffin; cousins, Micheal. Sharon, Debra, DiMarco, Paula, Barbara, Brenda, Linda, Rochelle, Dawn and Barbara-Ann; great-grandchildren, Giovani, Serenity, Caze and Saint; aunt, Ethel Whitaker; nieces, Yetunde, Cassandra, Brook, T'ara, Sunday, Gianna and Bailey; nephews, Seye, Wendel, Lance, Tyrell, Jabari, and Bryson.

She also had those whom loved like family, including: Styvon Ross, Christine, Thomas and Angel Proctor-Betty, Sherman and Scott Coleman and Kenneth and Kim Howard; and so many more.

SHE WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HER.

Sorrowfully submitted,

The Family