Zelma Rawls

Zelma Odessa Barbee Rawls, 93, of Pomaria, died Friday, March 9, 2012.

Born on August 14, 1918 in Pageland, South Carolina, she lived her early years in Pageland and Concord, North Carolina before moving to Dawkins, South Carolina at age 8.  She was the daughter of the late Albert Franklin Barbee, Sr. and Martha Ellen Burris Barbee.

She graduated from Monticello High School in 1936.  On June 5, 1937, she married Jacob Lester Rawls.  Lester passed away in 1998 after 61 years of married life.

Zelma was the oldest member of New Hope Methodist Church, having served on numerous committees.  As a young member, she taught the Junior Sunday School Class and sang in the choir for many years.  She was a member of the United Methodist Women and served as President for several terms.  She and her husband served as the Communion Stewards for 50 years.  She was a member of the Golden Agers.  She was a wonderful cook and most of the grandchildren enjoy her recipes.

Most of her adult life she was a homemaker always home to care for her girls and helping to care for the grandchildren.

She was an accomplished seamstress making clothes for her girls and the grandchildren.  She volunteered at school making costumes for plays and operettas.

She especially enjoyed quilting and giving quilts to friends and family members.  Quite a few of her pastors have been given a quilt and have voiced that they will always cherish and forever remember her generosity.  As long as her health permitted, she crocheted and no one ever visited her that did not leave with a piece or two of her doilies.

She leaves to cherish her memory three daughters and sons-in-law, Martha and Tommy Glenn of Jenkinsville, Zalia and Stanley Hawkins of Pomaria and Wanda and Johnnie Son of Little Mountain; seven grandchildren, Carmen Glenn (Marion) Barnes, Ellen Hawkins (Gene) Baker, Henry Lester (Lisa) Glenn, Beverly Hawkins Boulware, Russell Dean (Kelly) Hawkins, Johnette Son (Dennis) Ballentine and Alison Son (David) Fulmer; eleven great-grandchildren, Amber Baker (David) Parker, Angela Baker, Hunter Glenn, Jacob Barnes, Logan Boulware, Bridger Boulware, Austin Fulmer, Christopher Fulmer, Andrew Ballentine, Erin Ballentine and Danielle Ballentine and two great-great-grandchildren, Zury Madison Parker and Marshall Starnes Parker.

Mrs. Rawls was the last surviving sibling of seven having been predeceased by brothers, Johnnie, A.F., Marvin and Buddy Barbee and sisters, Pauline Parker and Louise Hord

Funeral services will be held at New Hope United Methodist Church on Sunday, March 11, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. conducted by Pastor Suzanne Walker.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will be at the home of Johnnie and Wanda Son at 2109 Old Dutch Road, Little Mountain and will greet friends at the Educational Building after the service.  Memorials may be given to New Hope United Methodist Church c/o Robert Davis, 256 Graham Cemetery Road, Pomaria, SC 29126 or the charity of one’s choice.

Special thanks are given to the staffs of Springfield Place, Newberry Memorial Hospital and Tri-County Hospice as well as to her doctors, Dr. Donald Alexander, Dr. James Phillips and staff and Dr. Alan Paysinger.

Active pallbearers will be Robert Davis, Matt Ruff, Frank Barbee, Buddy Livingston, Dean Trapp, Shane Livingston, Terry Rawls and Ray Doolittle.

The grandchildren and great grandchildren will honor her as her honorary pallbearers.

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