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:

MMMrrrsss... EEEvvveeelllyyynnn CCCllleeeooottthhhaaa SSSmmmiiittthhh RRReeeuuubbbeeennn

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