Dr. Janet Ann Ruffin-Atwood

Our precious and beloved, Dr. Janet Ann (Ruffin) Atwood went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 15th, 2023. She departed peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease and Multiple Myeloma in Charlotte, N.C. She was 76.

Born in Canton, Ohio, on January 12th, 1947, Dr. Janet Ruffin-Atwood was the 2nd born child and the oldest girl. She spent her childhood in Cleveland, Ohio cherished and adored by her parents Fred and Ruth Ruffin (who preceded her in their death) in addition to her 10 brothers and sisters. Her life was greatly influenced by her parents’ faith, commitment to family, and love of laughter. She consistently cited her parents’ example as the foundation for her strong Christian faith, endless capacity to love, and an unmatched work ethic. It was this combination along with her unwavering ability to rise above and respond to every person she encountered with love, kindness, and empathy that allowed her to break down barriers and realize her numerous personal and professional achievements.

Dr. Janet Ruffin-Atwood’s intelligence was equally matched by her love of learning, teaching, and helping anyone in need. She channeled her inexorable pursuit of learning to drive her as she completed several Master’s degree programs, culminating in her Ph.D. in Education from Fordham University in Manhattan, NY. Upon completing her final degree, she seamlessly transitioned into her last professional role before retiring as the Assistant Superintendent responsible for curriculum development for Mahopac School District in Mahopac, NY.

Throughout her life, Dr. Atwood was faithful to her calling as a Christian. She was a highly active member of her church, serving as both a Deaconess and member of the choir. Dr. Janet Atwood prioritized sharing her faith and giving back in the form of community service. As a member of The Seeds of Faith ministry team, Dr. Atwood spent much of her free time visiting with the elderly in local nursing homes and hospitals, helping community members in need, and assisting children in group homes or juvenile detention facilities.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, James Atwood, Jr., her children Jerodd V. (Kashima) Atwood and Je’Mara J. Atwood and her grandchildren Jalen Atwood, Jamison Atwood & Jordyn Atwood. She was a doting sister and is survived by her siblings Margaret Ruffin, Rhonda Goldston, Bernadine (Cloyd) Thomas, and Mark (Latonya) Ruffin. She was a proud aunt, cousin and friend to countless others.

Services will be private for immediate family, but a celebration of Dr. Janet (Ruffin) Atwood’s life is planned for the weekend of January 12th, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made directly to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) or The American Cancer Society.