Virginia Lee Tuffin

Virginia Lee Hamilton Tuffin was born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 7, 1930 to Estelle Rogers Hamilton (d. 2009) and Thomas Arizona Hamilton (d. 1970). Ginlee, as she was known to her beloved family, was the oldest of three children, Anita Catherine (d. 2003) and Thomas, Jr. She grew up under the watchful eyes of her parents, her Aunt Josie and grandmother, Viola Rogers ("Big Mama"). Ginlee thrived in the Outhwaite community and made friends for life in her nursery school at three years old. Among those friends was Dolores Head ("Dory"), Annie Huff and Hattie Dorman. The family moved to the Mount Pleasant neighborhood in 1948. She was baptized at St. John AME Church.
An excellent student, Gin went to Kennard Junior High School and began the tradition followed by each of her siblings of graduating among the top 10 students in her class. In a testament to the time, Gin won the 8th grade math competition, but the number two student received the award 'because he was a boy.' It was no surprise that Gin excelled at John Adams High School and was hired as a secretary following graduation in 1948 in the Cleveland Public School system.
On a weekend trip to Detroit, Michigan arranged by her mother, Gin met the love of her life, Paul Jonathan Tuffin. The two were married six months later on June 22, 1952 at St. John AME Church. The happy couple attended St. John, travelled the world and socialized with friends-the Adrines, Hundleys, Purefoys, Robinsons, Roses, Kendricks and Blands, to name only a few--enjoying the good and supporting each other through the bad. Paul and Virginia were blessed with three children-Paul Jr (died in infancy), Paula Ann and James Brian.
Virginia always wanted to learn new things. She completed her Bachelors of Science degree in Social Work from Ursaline College in 1982. She then began a second career in discharge planning at Suburban Hospital. In the midst of school, she continued her book club, Living Room Learning, and eventually spear headed its shift to an investment club which continues to this day. Ever energetic, Virginia pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority through a grad chapter along with her sister-in-law, Barbara Hamilton in 1985. She was also a member of the Kappa Silhouettes and Zeta Phi Beta.
Virginia devoted her life to service. As a member and president of the Junior Women's Civic League, Virginia engaged in volunteer efforts throughout the east side of Cleveland. She also chaired innumerable scholarship committees for the L.A.W. Club and her grad chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She was also committed to democratic causes and volunteered for the League of Women Voters and the Democratic Party through the November 2016 election. Most recently she chaired the Greater Cleveland Congregations Social Justice Committee at St. John.
A natural and effective leader, Virginia committed herself to supporting her children's education and socialization. Having enjoyed summer camp as a child, she became a Girl Scout Troop Camping leader, a Cub Scout Den Mother. She also founded the Pacesetters, a group organized to sponsor Cotillions for high school girls. Virginia was the quintessential 'Hockey/Soccer Mom' making certain her children were at every game and practice. Having learned the importance of being an active presence in your child's school from her mother, Virginia rose through the ranks to become one of the first African American President of the Shaker Heights Parent Teacher Association. She then ran for a seat on the Shaker Heights School Board, losing by a mere 41 votes. Undeterred, she continued to champion the Shaker Public Schools for the remainder of her life.
In addition to service to her community and children, Virginia's life was devoted to service to her husband, Paul. She supported him through law school, his practice and his battle with Alzheimer's Disease. She was his primary care giver until April, 2016.
Virginia left this world on April 20, 2017 in the presence of her children, Paula and Brian. She leaves behind her husband of 64 years, Paul, her brother Tom and sister-in- law Barbara, her son-in-law, Reg Hollinger and daughter-in-law Mary Tuffin, grandchildren, Andrew and Sarah Hollinger and Maya, Jada and Ian Tuffin, Nephews Eric(Patty) and Scott(Lisa) Hamilton, Jonathan, Jerry and Trent Tuffin, niece Diana Tuffin, grand-nieces Ollie, Marie and Jenna Hamilton and grand-nephews Chad and Shawn Hamilton, God-children, Donald Head, Jr., Jackie Butler Lawson and Debra Robinson and a host of extended family and friends to celebrate her life.
Gifts in memory of Virginia may be made to the Delta Sigma Theta Foundation - Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter P.O. Box 221368 Beachwood, OH 44122 OR Shaker Schools Foundation 15600 Parkland Drive, Shaker Hts., OH 44120 www.shaker.org/foundation

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