Laurie Taylor Van Deventer

Laurie Taylor Van Deventer, 77, of Charleston, South Carolina, wife of Reverend Dr. Barry D. Van Deventer, left the Church Militant for the Church Triumphant on October 25, 2013. All friends and associates are warmly invited to attend Laurie's memorial service in Witness to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1157 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard, on Monday, October 28, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. The family will receive friends at a visitation at STUHR'S WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL, 3360 Glenn McConnell Pkwy., Sunday, October 27, 2013, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Born at home on the family farm on November 3, 1935 and educated in the Toombs County Georgia public schools, Laurie was awarded a full academic scholarship to King College from which she graduated Cum Laude in 1956. She was a certified elementary school teacher in Georgia, Florida and Virginia.

In 1957, she married Barry Van Deventer during his studies at Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. Laurie accompanied Barry as a pastor's wife in both Pastoral and executive service to the PCUSA in Florida, Alabama and finally to Charleston, South Carolina in 1974.

In each location, Laurie taught Sunday School, led Women of the church groups, was involved in children's ministries and sang in the church choir. As a longtime member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Laurie sang in the choir, served as deacon and served for a time as moderator of the Board of Deacons. Laurie was a member and officer of the Northbridge Terrace Garden Club, the Charleston Symphony League, the Charleston Friends of the Library and the PTA of the numerous schools attended by her four children.

Laurie is survived by her husband Barry and their four children: Jonathan Taylor (Janice), David Bruce, Anne Van Deventer Camburn and Sara Van Deventer Williams. She is also survived by her five grandsons: Christopher Camburn (Katie), Collin Camburn, Jacob Williams, Seth Williams, Ethan Williams and by her great-granddaughter, Emma Jeanne Camburn.

Laurie's family wishes to express our deepest gratitude to Hospice of Charleston, and to the many friends who have extended prayers and sympathies from Westminster, Johns Island and First Orangeburg Presbyterian Churches.

Memorials may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church Music and Choir Fund, 1157 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard, Charleston, SC 29407 and /or The Charleston Friends of the Library, 68 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29401.