Ruth Priest

Ruth Keel Priest, 82, of Lumberton passed away on Friday, February 3, 2023 at Woodhaven Nursing Center in Lumberton. Ruth was born in Cumberland County on April 10, 1940 to the late H.P. Keel Sr and Agnes Cooper Keel. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jimmie Priest; son, J. Floyd Priest, Jr.; two sisters: Irene Perkins, Billie Ann Tucker and brother, H.P. Keel, Jr.

Ruth leaves behind her son, Timmie Priest and wife Teresa of Bladenboro; daughter, Kelli Burney and husband Mike of Dublin; seven grandchildren: Landon, Adrienne(Shon), Jonathan(Kayla), Destinee, Austin, Veronica, Venessa; six great-grandchildren: Mason, Kayden, Kayleigh, Hayleigh, Jayleigh, Trevor and lots of people that remember her as a mentor.

Ruth received the calling to preach at the age of twelve. She always gave everything she had to the Lord. She was very talented in music with singing, playing piano and accordion. On November 16, 1963, Ruth married the love of her life, Jimmie and with that they formed a ministry together. Both being very involved as youth leaders in youth camps, children’s church, evangelists, pastor and teacher. She also traveled to Mexico and Haiti on mission trips. Ruth was a faithful servant always giving her all. She loved reading the Bible and graduated from Holmes Theological Seminary.  Her kind and unforgettable personality will be missed greatly.

A graveside service will be held at 11am on Monday, February 6th in the Brown Marsh Church Cemetery in Clarkton with Rev. Jimmy Tatum and Rev. Tim Lewis officiating at the service. A celebration of life service will be held at 6pm on Sunday, February 19th at East Lumberton Church of God with Rev. Bruce Brumfield and Rev. Harry Clark officiating at the service.

Flowers are welcome at the graveside and church service; however, donations may be made to the Church of God Children’s Home 3485 Weatherby Circle Concord, NC 28027.

Good better best, Never let it rest, Til your good is better and better is best