Evelyn Ruffin-Johnson, 'The Duchess'

WHEN EVELYN L. Ruffin-Johnson stepped out with her husband, Henry R. Johnson Jr., people called them the "Duke and the Duchess."

"With both of them being tall and well-dressed, they just stood out when they were together," said her daughter Linda Ruffin.

Evelyn, a devoted matriarch and active churchwoman, died Friday. She was 89 and lived in North Philadelphia.

She was surrounded by her husband, three daughters and a son when she died at Temple University Hospital.

"Mommy waited until my brother returned home," Linda said. "She was determined that we would all be with her at the end. She demonstrated what we have always known, that she was a mother first and foremost to us."

Evelyn was born in Jamesville, N.C., one of 11 children born to James and Bettie McJett. She was educated in the public schools there.

"The most important part of Mom's life story is that at the young age of 7, she felt the need of a savior," said another daughter, Halima Mubarak. "She accepted Christ and was baptized. Our mother's faith sustained her throughout her lifetime."

At age 13, Evelyn joined her parents in Philadelphia. She became a member of Union Baptist Church and later met and married the now-late Morris L. Ruffin Sr. They had four children.

"When our parents bought their home in North Philadelphia, Mom affiliated with Foster Memorial Baptist Church," said her son, Bamba Ra. "She was a very active and faithful member for many years."

"After the death of our father, Mommy focused her energy on raising us and making home pleasant for us," Linda said. "She was meticulous in her dress and her home.

"She had such a stately presence because she was tall and slender. She was known for her coordinated outfits. Hers was an understated, sophisticated style with a slight flair. Her home was just as carefully attended to by her."

While a member of Foster Memorial, Evelyn met Henry Johnson. They were married on Nov. 1, 1991. They then moved their membership to Berean Presbyterian Church, where she served as a deaconess for three years.

"Our mother was a devoted wife, sympathetic sister, and an understanding and loyal friend," said Bamba Ra. "She was the one who held our confidences and was trusted by friends and neighbors. She opened her home freely, showing hospitality to all."

Besides her husband, two daughters and son, she is survived by another daughter, Bernadette Scott; six sisters, Doris Berry, Marjorie McLaine, Colia Burgess, Barbara Barnes, Jeraline McJett and Hilda Strothers; four brothers, James, Thomas, Earl and Russell McJett; four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Services: 11 a.m. Friday at Berean Presbyterian Church, Broad and Diamond streets. Friends may call at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Northwood Cemetery. *