OTIS RUFFIN COLWELL DOUGLAS

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA. – Mrs. Otis Ruffin Colwell Douglas, 85, passed away Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, in Charlottesville, where she had been living with her daughter, Beverly “BeBe” Colwell Adams since 2008.

Otis was born Nov. 5, 1926, in Youngstown, a daughter of Mr. Clarence and Mrs. Ida (Campbell) Ruffin.

She graduated from The Rayen School, The Ohio State University, where she received a B.A. from the School of Social Administration in 1948, Youngstown State University, where she received a Teaching Certificate in 1962, and Akron University, where she received her M.A. in School Psychology in 1970.

Otis lived all of her life in Youngstown, except during college and her first job in her field of social work at Aid for the Aged in Columbus.

While working in Columbus, she met her first husband, William A. Colwell.

Returning to Youngstown, she worked as a legal secretary for the law firm of Green, Schiavone and Murphy from 1953 to 1962.

In 1957, she married her second husband, Clifton O. Douglas Jr.

In 1962, she worked as a first-grade elementary school teacher at the Kimmel Brook Elementary School. In 1969, she was the first African American female visiting teacher and in 1970, she became the first African American school psychologist in the Youngstown Public School System. She retired in 1987.

Otis was an active member of the Third Baptist Church. She served on the Missionary Board and various other church committees.

Otis pledged the Epsilon Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (OSU) in 1946. In 1953, she began her lifelong membership in the Delta Lambda Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., now called the Youngstown Alumnae Chapter. Otis had been chapter president and held almost every elected and appointed position in the chapter. She was a Delta for 66 years and was honored with the Delta Sigma Theta Educator of the Year award in 2002.

Otis became a member of the Youngstown Chapter of the Links, Inc. in 1970. She was chapter president and held numerous other positions. Nationally, she was awarded alumna and platinum status in the Links Inc. in 2008.

Otis was a charter member of the Youngstown Branch of the Negro Women’s Business and Professional Club (organized by Mrs. Margaret Linton). She was a longtime member of the Socialite Bridge Club. She served on the board of directors of the Youngstown Area Urban League, Campfire Girls, Mahoning Children and Family Service Board, and Diagnostic Evaluation Counseling Center. She served as the Urban League representative for the publication of “Opportunities Unlimited” along with the Youngstown Area Chamber of Commerce. She worked also on the Urban League’s bicentennial booklet, “Rediscover of the Past” in 1976. She was celebrated as one of the YWCA Women of the Year in 1983.

Otis is survived by her daughter, Beverly Colwell Adams, Ph.D. of Charlottesville; two sons, Clifton O. Douglas III of Youngstown and Dennis P. Douglas of Florida; grandchildren, Jasmine Adams of Florida, Shawn Douglas, Samoa Douglas Haskins, Clifton Douglas IV, and Kimberly Douglas, all of Columbus, and Dennis Douglas Jr. of Charlotte, N.C.; great-grandchildren; her cousin, Alice Ruth Triplett (Clyde) and daughter, Cecilia Catley of Youngstown; and godchildren, Stephen, Cynthia, and Dean Francis, all of Columbus, who were also dear to her.

Otis was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; and a grandchild, Nicole Douglas.

The family will receive friends today from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Washington Funeral Home, where the Youngstown Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Soroity Inc. will perform the Omega Omega ceremony at 6 p.m. followed by a memorial tribute presented by the Youngstown Chaper of the Links Inc.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Third Baptist Church, with the Rev. Morris W. Lee officiating.

Interment will be at Tod Homestead Cemetery.

Condolences may be emailed to Jewashton@aol.com or faxed to 330-782-2050.

Ministry of comfort provided by J.E. Washington Funeral Services Inc.