Renee DeBerry

REMEMBERING Renee

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:6-8

Laurie Renee Martin DeBerry was born in Guilford County, North Carolina into the loving and nurturing family of the late Ned and Sarah Comer Martin on March 4, 1965. “Renee“ as she was affectionately known was the youngest of four children.

In addition to her parents Renee was preceded in death by her brother Carlos Twining Martin and niece Deidra Martin Hester.

Renee confessed Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized at White Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Renee had been a life long faithful member until June 2013. During her years at White Oak Grove she had actively participated in or supported every ministry within the church. She didn’t wait to be asked, if she saw a need she stepped in and helped. One of Renee’s highlights as a youth, was to participate with the youth of the church in selling drinks and popcorn from the back of the late Deacon Fred Donahue’s truck during revival. She participated in the activities of the Youth Ministry, Junior Ushers, and began to sing in the Junior Choir at the age of five with the encouragement of her dad. Renee began directing the choir at the age of fourteen. She loved every aspect of working in the church, especially in the areas that involved music. She would lead and teach the songs during Vacation Bible School, and she supported all of the choirs in preparing for their anniversaries.

This Aggie Did!

Renee eventually became the Music Leader of the church. She loved participating in the Guilford Educational Association Sunday School Convention and singing in the Convention Choir. She loved participating in musical workshops and teaching choirs what she had learned.

Because of her love for music and for helping those who appreciated her gift of choir directing after leaving White Oak Grove, she became affiliated with St. James Home of Fresh Start, under the leadership of Bishop James Woodson, where she remained until she followed her dream of moving to another state. This lead her to settle in Maryland, where she fellowshipped with Divine Connection Praise Ministry. She became a member of a singing ensemble, Brian Spriggs and NuWorship. She enjoyed this fellowship and was so looking forward to participating in their live recording. After returning home due to her illness,

Renee became a member of St. Thomas Chapel Pentecostal Holiness Church under the leadership of Bishop Elect-Elder L. Bernard Florence.

Renee received her early education in the Guilford County School System, graduating in 1983 from Northeast Guilford. She attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, graduating in 1989 with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education. She later returned to further her education and earned a Master’s Degree in Reading, and Masters of School Admin with Principal Licensure.

She began her teaching career in the Guilford County School System. She took a short beak from teaching and was employed with Procter & Gamble. She returned to the classroom and taught in Alamance, Durham and Wake Counties. She was currently employed with the Prince George County Public School System as a Pre-K

educator at Frances Scott Key Elementary School in Capitol Heights MD.

It became evident during Renee’s years as an undergraduate student at North Carolina A&T, that she did not meet a stranger. She became a member of the Award Winning Fellowship Gospel Choir. Renee served as a student choir director, during her time in the choir. She traveled with the choir extensively up and down the Eastern Seaboard. Her dedication to the choir was such that she wanted to always be in attendance of everything related to the choir. Renee invited her choir members to church and Sunday dinner weekly. It was a known fact that somebody was coming, we just never knew how many people she would bring. They would eat, gather around the piano and sing and fellowship with the family. Renee loved the choir so much that after graduating she remained connected to the choir and alumni. She was the point of contact for the Alumni members. She looked forward to supporting sporting events, Homecoming and the concerts with her friends. She was a true Aggie and displayed her pride by adorning the attire of her alma mater everyday.

Loved ones left to cherish her memory and emulate her life include her children, Christoffer Daniel and Cameron Danielle DeBerry; her grandchildren who were the apples of her eye, Massiah Donald and Dallas DeBerry; her siblings, Sharon (Larry) Yancey, and Norman (Ami) Martin; nieces, Arisha Caviness, Jasmine Yancey, Elisha Miller, Brianna and Zaria Hamm; nephews, Jonathan Yancey, Victor Johnson, Donald Watkins,Jr. and Christian Hamm; great nieces, Nevaeh and Kennadee McEachirn, Ashlee, Alasia and Jordyn DeBerry; great nephew, Omari McEachirn; great-great niece Nori Griffith; God-daughter, Tajah Steele; God sisters,Clementine Holmesley and Shirley Tate; Sisters in law, Regina (Wendell) Hopkins, and Sabrina (Clinton) Hamm. her sister-cousins, Angie Reid Baynes, Eugenia Enoch, Gail Ayers Simpson, Angela Slade, Petitsa Wrenn, Angela Farrar, LaShonda Ryals, Diann”Pearlie” Cobb, Shawney Haynie; her special brothers, Ron Jones, Phillip Langston, Bert Poole and Wendell Powell. A host of other loving cousins and friends including the NC A&T Alumni Choir, and the Francis Scott Key School family.

Processional

Family Visitation

Order of Service

1:30 pm-2:30 pm

Musical Selection Mass Choir

Old Testament Scripture Pastor Bill Russell

Harvest City Church of Greensboro, NC

New Testament Scripture Bishop James Woodson

St. James Home of Fresh Start Ministries of Greensboro, NC

Prayer of Comfort Bishop Terry Young

Morning Star Baptist Church of Burlington, NC

Musical Selection Mass Choir

Remarks and Reflections

Musical Selection

Resolution and Acknowledgements

Bishop Clarence Wall

Greater Hope Ministries of Greensboro, NC

Pastor David Callands

Sandhills UCC, Aberdeen NC

Minister Bonnie Hairston Polk

Mr. Phillip Langston

Ms. Shawney Haynie

Mr. Marvin Smith

Ms. Cameron DeBerry

Mass Choir

Missionary Dollree Lane

Church Clerk

Musical Selection Mass Choir

Eulogy Elder Lannie Robertson

Monument of Faith Ministries of Eden NC

The Service of Committal

Recessional

A LIMB HAS FALL EN

A limb has fallen from the family tree

I hear a voice that whispers, 'Grieve not for me'

Remember the best times, the laughter, the songs

The good I lived while I was strong

Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you

Keep on smiling, the sun will shine through.

My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest

Remembering all…how I was truly blessed

Continue traditions, no matter how small

Go on with your lives, don’t stare at the wall

I miss you all dearly so keep up your chin

Until that fine day we’re together again.

The Way We Were ...

inHeaven I'LLJUSTWAIT

I'll just wait in Heaven 'Till we meet again I know you miss me Just remember I am free Free from pain and sorrow God's love fills each tomorrow My love is in your heart We'll never be apart Cherish the love we share Remember how much I care Someday we'll be together Because Love lives forever So I'll just wait in Heaven 'Till we meet again

Message

OF GRATITUDE

We gratefully acknowledge and deeply appreciate the many acts of kindness and expressions of sympathy shown to us during our time of sorrow.

The love you showed to Renee will always be remembered. May God bless each and everyone of you in a very special way.

The Family

program by: