1931
Vernell
2020
Vernell Craven Kolwyck
January 29, 1931 — September 8, 2020
Vernell C. Kolwyck, 89, of Charleston, SC, widow of Charles Edwin Kolwyck, entered into eternal rest Tuesday, September 8, 2020 due to advanced dementia/Alzheiner's disease. Those who knew her well will agree, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day..." II Timothy 4:7-8 is a fitting tribute to this mighty prayer warrior and woman of faith.
Vernell was born January 29, 1931 in Walterboro, SC, daughter of the late Noie Lee and Minnie Hiers Craven. She was one of nine children. Early in her childhood the family returned to Johns Island and made their home near the Angel Oak tree. Vernell loved to recall how her family would collect the nickel that was charged for admission. She was a student at St. Johns school when it was only a wooden building. She is preceded in death by all of her siblings.
Vernell married the love of her life and best friend Rev. Charles Kolwyck in September of 1959, who preceded her in death in 1992.
She accepted Jesus as her Savior at age 14 and faithfully served her Lord for the next 75years. She considered it an honor to be a pastor's wife, a mother and a friend to all.
Throughout her church life, she served in may roles and helped in a number of ministries which included Sunday School Teacher, worship leader (guitar in hand), Vacation Bible School Teacher, and Missions Director to name only a few. In later years, she had a phone ministry where she would pray with anyone who called her with a prayer request, just to hear a kind word or in need of a blessing.
Being a true southern lady, everyone that stopped by (which to her delight was often a crowd) was offered a glass of sweet tea or a cup of coffee and something to eat. "No thank you" was not an acceptable answer.
Some people are known by only one name. She was blessed to be called by many names: Vernie, Bunny, Aunt Bunny, Shug, Aunt Vernell, Mammy, Granny, Sassy Pants and Sister Kolwyck. She loved them all.
Venell is survived by her three sons, Edwin "Butch" Kolwyck of Johns Island, Milton Kolwyck (Michael aka "Joe") of Charleston, Timmy Kolwyck (Angie) of Johns Island; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. We want to say thank you to one special niece, Becky, for always being ready and willing to stay with mom when "Joe" and I needed some down time to get away and recharge. We appreciate you so much. Also, thank you to dear, faithful Pastor and nephew, Rev. Mike Droze (Carolyn) bringing "church at home" to Mom for over two years. Mom, Joe and I appreciated the scriptures and prayers you provided each week.
There comes a time when it is overwhelmingly obvious that Alzheimer's is a journey that is impossible for patients and caregivers to navigate alone. We would like to thank Amedysis who provided in-home health care and finally hospice care. Thank you.
The hardest decision was putting Mom into a facility. God led us to Harmony at West Ashley. In no time, the staff fell in love with her and began calling her Granny. God allowed her ministry to continue up until he called her home. They shared with us that she made new friends quickly and prayed with them and the patients at Hamony Square whenever asked. They told us their only regret was that they did not have her longer.
A special thank you to Angie for all of your help and support with mom's care. It is appreciated.
On behalf of me and my family, I want to send out a heartfelt thank you to Evelyn Phillips (aka Ms. Evelyn). Because of your commitment to her care, I never had to worry about mom. Thank you so much, I love you Dorty!
A Private Funeral Service will be held on Friday, September 11, 2020 at 2PM in the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., West Ashley Chapel. The family will receive friends prior to the service in the chapel. Interment will follow in the Live Oak Memorial Gardens, 3093 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414. Due to COVID 19, everyone is asked to wear a mask and practice all social distancing guidelines and requirements.
Memorial donations can be made to the Johns Island Church of God of Prophecy's Building Fund, P.O. Box 1444, Johns, Island, SC 29457. Floral tributes will be accepted.
Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. West Ashley Chapel, 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway, Charleston, SC 29414.
Vernell was born January 29, 1931 in Walterboro, SC, daughter of the late Noie Lee and Minnie Hiers Craven. She was one of nine children. Early in her childhood the family returned to Johns Island and made their home near the Angel Oak tree. Vernell loved to recall how her family would collect the nickel that was charged for admission. She was a student at St. Johns school when it was only a wooden building. She is preceded in death by all of her siblings.
Vernell married the love of her life and best friend Rev. Charles Kolwyck in September of 1959, who preceded her in death in 1992.
She accepted Jesus as her Savior at age 14 and faithfully served her Lord for the next 75years. She considered it an honor to be a pastor's wife, a mother and a friend to all.
Throughout her church life, she served in may roles and helped in a number of ministries which included Sunday School Teacher, worship leader (guitar in hand), Vacation Bible School Teacher, and Missions Director to name only a few. In later years, she had a phone ministry where she would pray with anyone who called her with a prayer request, just to hear a kind word or in need of a blessing.
Being a true southern lady, everyone that stopped by (which to her delight was often a crowd) was offered a glass of sweet tea or a cup of coffee and something to eat. "No thank you" was not an acceptable answer.
Some people are known by only one name. She was blessed to be called by many names: Vernie, Bunny, Aunt Bunny, Shug, Aunt Vernell, Mammy, Granny, Sassy Pants and Sister Kolwyck. She loved them all.
Venell is survived by her three sons, Edwin "Butch" Kolwyck of Johns Island, Milton Kolwyck (Michael aka "Joe") of Charleston, Timmy Kolwyck (Angie) of Johns Island; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. We want to say thank you to one special niece, Becky, for always being ready and willing to stay with mom when "Joe" and I needed some down time to get away and recharge. We appreciate you so much. Also, thank you to dear, faithful Pastor and nephew, Rev. Mike Droze (Carolyn) bringing "church at home" to Mom for over two years. Mom, Joe and I appreciated the scriptures and prayers you provided each week.
There comes a time when it is overwhelmingly obvious that Alzheimer's is a journey that is impossible for patients and caregivers to navigate alone. We would like to thank Amedysis who provided in-home health care and finally hospice care. Thank you.
The hardest decision was putting Mom into a facility. God led us to Harmony at West Ashley. In no time, the staff fell in love with her and began calling her Granny. God allowed her ministry to continue up until he called her home. They shared with us that she made new friends quickly and prayed with them and the patients at Hamony Square whenever asked. They told us their only regret was that they did not have her longer.
A special thank you to Angie for all of your help and support with mom's care. It is appreciated.
On behalf of me and my family, I want to send out a heartfelt thank you to Evelyn Phillips (aka Ms. Evelyn). Because of your commitment to her care, I never had to worry about mom. Thank you so much, I love you Dorty!
A Private Funeral Service will be held on Friday, September 11, 2020 at 2PM in the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., West Ashley Chapel. The family will receive friends prior to the service in the chapel. Interment will follow in the Live Oak Memorial Gardens, 3093 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414. Due to COVID 19, everyone is asked to wear a mask and practice all social distancing guidelines and requirements.
Memorial donations can be made to the Johns Island Church of God of Prophecy's Building Fund, P.O. Box 1444, Johns, Island, SC 29457. Floral tributes will be accepted.
Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. West Ashley Chapel, 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway, Charleston, SC 29414.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Vernell Craven Kolwyck, please visit our flower store.
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