Alita Lynette (Duff) Rumph

Alita Lynette Rumph went home to be with the Lord on October 9, 2020 in New Haven Connecticut. Alita was born September 7, 1980 in Wilmington DE to parents Robert and Michele Duff. 

Alita graduated from Kent Christian Academy in 1998 as the salutatorian of her graduating class. She was awarded a full scholarship to University of Delaware where she received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She was hired at Cedar Lane Elementary as a second-grade teacher where she taught for 13 years. During that time, Alita was selected by a group of her peers to attend a Fulbright scholar’s summit in Japan, where she learned the Japanese teaching customs and had the opportunity to teach Japanese students academics. Also, while employed at Cedar Lane Elementary, Alita had the distinct honor of being voted Teacher of the Year for the 2012-2013 school year.  She decided to contine with higher education at University of Delaware. Alita went on to receive her master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration, on May 25, 2012. 

Alita, then with her husband Chris, decided to follow where they knew God was leading them to Bridgeport, Connecticut, where she worked side-by-side with her husband as Youth Pastors for the last seven years. In that time, Alita was hired by the Bridgeport School District as a fifth-grade teacher at Thomas Hooker Elementary School through the 2014-2016 school years.

Then she was given another opportunity to teach at Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School, so she accepted the position as a sixth-grade teacher, where she worked from 2016 until her passing.

Alita was an active participant in helping advance the academic careers of her students and staff members through such avenues as Lighthouse (an after-school program), writing grants for out-of-state field trips, classroom materials, books, supplies, and other necessities. Alita used her administration degree by filling in as principal when asked. One of her last educational career accomplishments was in 2019, when she was voted Captain of the Stand for Children Middle School Kindness Challenge. She helped them excel as a top 10 national finalist where they were awarded a monetary grant.  

Throughout Alita’s life, she impacted a numerous amount of people, young and old. Alita loved without limits by allowing the joy of the Lord to radiate through every aspect of her life.

Alita is survived by her father Robert Lee Duff, Jr, mother Michele Duff, sister Sharnea Wilkins, brother-in-law Jerome Wilkins, niece Maia Washington, loving and faithful husband Christopher Allen Rumph and beautiful baby boy Declan Christopher Asher Rumph, along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and church family. 

Viewing Tuesday, October 20, 2020, 2 pm until time of service 3 pm at Lighthouse Church, Milford, DE.  Private Interment.  Masks and social distancing are required.

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