Terri Charmaine Richardson-Ruffin (Age 51) of Brandywine, Maryland

Terri was born on June 4, 1968, in Harlem, New York to Helen Richardson and Abe Ricks. Her family later moved to the lower east side where Terri was raised with her sisters and brothers. Terri did well for herself after attending New York City Public Schools. She had a great work ethic and would move on to be very successful.

In 1999 Terri and her fiancée Derek relocated to Maryland. She and Derek got married in 2000 and made Maryland their home. Terri was very successful in her work ethic. She worked for Adecco, the second largest Human Resources provider and temporary staffing firm, and a Fortune Global 500 company. She was a Recruitment Specialist for seven years. It was in this role that Terri demonstrated the concept of paying it forward to the fullest. In her role as a Recruitment Specialist, Terri opened job opportunities for families and friends locally and from back home in New York. Many of these people would later make Maryland their home. Terri later went back to school, receiving her Associate Degree in Liberal Arts.

Terri would eventually find another successful role as Senior Recruiter for the United States Postal Service, the second largest employer in the United States. During her tenure, Terri acquired her Baccalaureate Degree and two Master's Degrees. Terri worked for the United States Postal Service for 10 years and 5 months. She was known as "Speedy T" because she was extremely efficient, always going above and beyond the call of duty. Not only would she ensure job opportunities, she would help people with housing and cost of living transitions.

Terri loved Whitney Houston, she loved to cook, and she loved to entertain. Everyone love her cooking, especially her fried chicken. It had to be just right, not too light and not too dark. Octavia Spencer's character from the Help had nothing on Terri's fried chicken. Her macaroni and cheese would have people lining up to get their share.

Terri had a big heart. She extended herself to many in their time of need. She opened her home to others, cooked for others, and again, job opportunities for many.

Terry leaves to mourn, her husband Derek, mother, Helen Richardson, sisters, Tracy Richardson and Tanya Richardson, brothers, George Richardson, Damien Carrington, (deceased) Abe Richardson, niece, Tasheemah Richardson, nephew, Damien Carrington Jr., great nieces, Tyonna Richardson, Anylah Jordin and Zariah Jordin and a host of other relatives and friends.