Mavis (Ruffin) Starling

Mavis Ruffin Starling, 98, of Fayetteville passed away peacefully on Friday, March 28, 2025, at her residence surrounded by her family on the day before her 99th birthday.

Mavis was born on March 29, 1926, in Harnett County, to the late John Henry Ruffin and Dilcy Mae Williams Ruffin.

She was a lifelong member of Northwood Temple where she enjoyed reading and studying her bible. When the time came that Mavis could no longer attend church, she was known for being a prayer warrior from the comfort of her home.  

Before Mavis left her home, her hair was perfect, and her clothes matched right down to her jewelry and shoes. She was a loving mother, memaw, sister, aunt, and friend to all who knew her. Family was very important to Mavis so much that she attended all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren’s birthday celebrations and graduation. 

Mavis was an awesome seamstress, she worked at the Fayetteville Shirt Factory, the Garland Shirt Factory and the Wilmington Tie Factory. She later retired from the Fayetteville Observer where she worked as a mail clerk.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, from 12:30 to 1:20 p.m. at Northwood Temple followed by a service at 1:30 p.m.  The burial will follow at Lafayette Memorial Park.

In addition to her parents, Mavis was preceded in death by her grandson, James Starling and many siblings.

She is survived by her son, Robert Starling and wife, Darlene, daughter, Vickie Todd and fiancé Carlton Harrison, and  son, Dale Starling; sister, Doris Allen; grandchildren, Adena Buck, Jarrad Taunt and wife Kimberly, Gail Starling, and Renee Starling; 11  great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.

Online condolences may be sent to http://www.jerniganwarren.com

Services provided by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, NC 28301

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