Bessie Mae Ruffin

November 4, 1934 – September 24, 2025

Bessie Mae Ruffin, affectionately known as Mama Bessie, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, at the age of 90, in Austin, Texas. A beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Mama Bessie’s legacy is one of warmth, resilience, and joy.

Born in Peach Creek, nestled in southern Bastrop County, Texas, Bessie lived a full and vibrant life. She spent her later years at Heritage Park, surrounded by love, community, and care.

Mama Bessie was a woman of simple joys and strong spirit. She loved playing dominoes and cards, and the soulful sounds of blues music were a constant comfort to her. Known for her love of food, her family lovingly referred to fried chicken as her “birthmark”—and her sweet tooth was legendary.

Bessie was preceded in death by her cherished children: Doris “Patsy” Young, Allen “Tadpole” Bledsoe, and Carreda “Annie” Ruffin.

She is survived by her loving son Willis Mullins and devoted daughter-in-law Jewel Bledsoe. She leaves behind a proud legacy through her grandchildren: Andrea Smith (Anthony), Bettye Young, Yolanda Young, Demetria Mullins, Keith Wolridge (Jennifer), Allen Bledsoe (Haley), Quincy Ruffin, Kameisha Bledsoe (Everette), and Michael Ruffin—each of whom carries a part of her strength and spirit forward.

A Viewing and Prayer Service will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at:

Fuller-Sheffield Funeral Home

2808 E Martin Luther King Blvd

Austin, TX 78702

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Meals on Wheels Central Texas, an organization close to the heart of Mama Bessie’s community.

Mama Bessie will be remembered for her unwavering love, her fierce devotion to family, and the way she brought people together—often over a table filled with laughter, love, and something fried.

May her soul rest in peace and her memory live on in all who knew and loved her.