blessed assurance #21 - leevy's funeral...
TRANSCRIPT
I’m Free
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free
I’m following the path God has laid you see.
I took His hand when I heard His call
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found the peace at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joys
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Oh yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s
touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart, and peace to thee-
God wanted me now; He has set me free.
Pallbearers Deacons
of
First Nazareth Baptist Church
Floral Bearers
Deaconesses
of
First Nazareth Baptist Church
Acknowledgement
We, the family of Mrs. Evelyn Cleotha Smith Reuben,
wish to express our deep gratitude to our many friends
for the many wonderful acts of kindness rendered
during our hours of bereavement. May God bless
each of you with His mercy.
Services Entrusted To:
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Obituary
Mrs. Evelyn Smith Reuben was born on February 9, 1927, in Anderson,
South Carolina, to the late Enoch and Sadie Newell Smith. She was the oldest
of the three children. She departed this life on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
Mrs. Reuben graduated from Reid Street High School in Anderson, South
Carolina, and then went on to Benedict College, where she earned a Bachelor
of Arts Degree in English, in 1948. She continued her studies culminating in a
Master of Arts Degree from Hampton Institute (now Hampton University) in
June 1969.
Mrs. Reuben taught for twenty-nine (29) and one/half years, in the South
Carolina Public Schools, in Estill, SC, Manning, SC, and Columbia, SC. She
was always recognized by her colleagues as a fine and creative teacher, who
loved children. Before retiring in 1982, she received the Teacher of the Year
Award at John P. Thomas Elementary School for 1977-1978, and a Board of
School Commissioner Certificate of Appreciation for Service to Youth of
Columbia, in 1982. Throughout her career, she belonged to the National
Education Association (NEA). Her work ethic demonstrated an impeccable
model of diligence, dedication, and commitment.
Mrs. Reuben was baptized at an early age, and joined the Springfield Baptist
Church, in Level Land, SC. She began attending First Calvary Baptist Church
in Columbia, SC, while a student at Benedict College. She remained a
member for fifty-five (55) years, including service as a deaconess for thirty-
seven (37) years, where she volunteered in a number of capacities. She was
President of the Deacon’s Wives Ministry, leader of the Baptism Ministry,
originator of the Birthdates and Anniversary’s Recognition Ministry, member
of the Fidelity Club, and a member of the Pulpit Aid Club. She also was a
former Girl Scout Leader. Most recently, Mrs. Reuben was a member and
deaconess since 2006 at First Nazareth Baptist Church, in Columbia, South
Carolina.
Mrs. Reuben was always active in her community. She was a Subscribing
Life Member of the NAACP. She was also former President and former
Treasurer of her Neighborhood Sunshine Club.
Mrs. Reuben met Mr. Earl B. Reuben at Benedict College over seventy-one
(71) years ago. She leaves to mourn her passing: her loving husband of sixty-
nine (69) years, Mr. Earl B. Reuben: her four daughters, Dr. Brenda (Ronald)
Williams, of Charlotte, NC, Mrs. Patricia (Dr. Lonnie) Randolph, of
Columbia, SC; Ms. Evelyn L. Reuben, of Hyattsville, MD, and Mrs.
Jacqueline (Reverend Charles) Cherry, of Columbia, SC; two sisters, Mrs.
Lovelette Moragne, of Chicago, IL and Mrs. Mildred Power, of Cincinnati,
OH; three grandchildren, Mrs. Erica Gipson, of Charlotte, NC, Dr. Melanie
(Grady, Jr.) Johnson, of Columbia, SC, and Mrs. Patrice (Sergio, Jr.) Spencer,
of Valley Stream, NY; six great-grandchildren, Ronald, Rian, Layla, Jayla,
Grady III, and Liliana; a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives,
and devoted friends, all of whom will miss her dearly.
Memories
V
A Service of Remembrance Monday, November 6, 2017
11:00 a.m. First Nazareth Baptist Church
2351 Gervais Street Columbia, South Carolina
Reverend Dr. Blakely N. Scott, Pastor
Prelude
Processional
Viewing …………………………………………….. Funeral Directors
Opening Selection …………………...…….“It Is Well With My Soul”
Old Testament …………………………...… Reverend Ozena Harfield Associate Minister, Springfield Baptist Church, Level Land, SC
New Testament …………………………….. Reverend Steven Cannon Associate Minister, Brookland Baptist Church
Prayer ………………………..…………..….. Reverend Jeryl Salmond Pastor, Ladson Presbyterian Church
Solo………………………………………………Deacon Henry Butler
“I’m Free”
Remarks …………………………………...….. Dr. Lucy Reuben Cole
Deacon William Pyatt, Esquire
Deacon Harrison Rearden
Selection ……..…………….…… First Nazareth Baptist Church Choir
“Everyday Is A Day of Thanksgiving”
Words of Comfort …………….……… Reverend Dr. Blakely N. Scott
Recessional…………………...… First Nazareth Baptist Church Choir
“I’ll Fly Away”
Postlude
Committal, Benediction and Interment
Crescent Hill Memorial Gardens
2306 Two Notch Road
Columbia, South Carolina