Deaconess Bettye B. Ravenell was the daughter of the late Nathaniel and Evangeline (Shing) Benjamin. Deaconess Ravenell's sunrise was July 20, 1950, and her sunset was January 12, 2023. She was the youngest of eight children born to their union. Deaconess Ravenell was a lifelong and faithful member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church, beginning with her parent's affiliations. She attended and graduated from St. John High School of Cameron, S.C., and was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. In addition to these roles, Deaconess Ravenell was an influential business leader and entrepreneur within the state of South Carolina.
When one reflects on Deaconess Ravenell's spiritual walk, her family, and her career, one would say her life is symbolic of that of a Virtuous Woman. "Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised. Therefore, give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her works praise her in the gates." – Proverbs 30:31.
In 2007, Deaconess Ravenell became the owner of Faithful Home Care Services. Later in 2017, she added Faithful Adult Day Care Services to her business portfolio, which she operated successfully until her death when the Lord called her home. Deaconess Ravenell was also a Notary for the State of South Carolina, a Certified Nursing Assistant, and a Certified CDL Driver. With a spiritual upbringing, Deaconess Ravenell has always turned to her one of most favorite verses, Psalms 27:1; The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Deaconess Ravenell was a prayer warrior. She spent a great deal of her time working through her role as the President of the Pastor Aide Board, the President of the Health Aide Ministry, the President of the Jubilee Choir, Vice President of the Youth Ministry, and Former President of the Transportation Ministry. Deaconess Ravenell was also the treasurer of the Missionary Ministry, a member of the Deaconess Ministry, a Children's Sunday School Teacher, and on the Trustee Board. In addition, during her leisure time, she traveling, games, and sporting events with family and friends.
In addition to being preceded in death by her loving parents, Deaconess Ravenell was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Leroy Ravenell, along with her seven siblings Corine Robinson, Nathaniel Benjamin, Martha Glover, Kenneth Benjamin, Eva Mae Shivers, Lloyd Benjamin Sr, and George Benjamin.
Concerning Deaconess Ravenell's Children, "Her children rise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." – Proverbs 31:28.
She leaves to cherish her memory and to carry on her legacy seven children; Kim Benjamin-Hannah of Charlotte, NC; Yoronica Benjamin of St. Matthews, SC; Pamela Benjamin of Greenville, SC; Major Quentin F. Benjamin (Varncille) of Elgin, SC; Takiyah Benjamin of St. Matthews, SC, Natalie Blanchard (Dwayne) of Lugoff, SC; and Douglas Benjamin (Altovise) of Orangeburg, SC. Through her children, Deaconess Ravenell has been blessed with 21 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; two grandchildren, Kanvas and Douglas Benjamin were raised within the home of Deaconess Ravenell.
Kim would share that her mother was a visionary business leader, always willing to help those in need. It was in 2007 when God placed upon her heart to establish Faithful Home Care Services and Faithful Adult Health Daycare Services. Through her faith in God and family support, Deaconess Ravenell's dream came to fruition. She operated successfully for 16 years as a successful business owner. Deaconess Ravenell, the second born, Yoronica, describes her mother as the family's matriarch. Deaconess Ravenell offers love and support to children and can often be found providing guidance, encouragement, and wisdom to a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Pamela, Deaconess Ravenell's third born, states, "I'm so proud of her. She will always be my mother. However, she is also my mentor and motivator. I thank God for choosing me to be her child. I love her to infinity!" Quentin, Deaconess Ravenell's eldest son, describes his mother as an extraordinary woman, wife, and business leader. My siblings and I often identify our mother as a strong black woman, "the backbone of the family," someone who you can turn to provide wisdom and knowledge. The most amazing attribute about our mother was an exceptional confidant; she knew exactly when to offer a word of advice and when to remain silent on an issue. In all things, our mother encouraged us to pray and put God first. As for Takiyah, Deaconess Ravenell was - "Her Rock ." Natalie, Deaconess Ravenell's youngest daughter shares that her mother was someone with whom you could share a good laugh or cry. She was willing to offer a loving hand and guidance during good times or through a storm, but whatever the situation, she always encouraged us to put our faith in God. Finally, Douglas Deaconess Ravenell's youngest son added he benefited from that special bond between a mother and her child. This bond implies, "I love you unconditionally, and all will be okay in the world."
Deaconess Ravenell was just 18 years of age when her loving mother transitioned from this world to the next. However, God gifted Deaconess Ravenell with a bonus mother in Mrs. Lavina Springer. Mrs. Springer assumed the role of a loving mother and provided unwavering guidance throughout the years.
Finally, Deaconess Ravenell shared a unique bond with her nieces/sisters who grew up with her -Evangeline McCant, Willa Dean Betha, Shirley Ann Lee, special younger niece, Dorothy Boyd and an endearing cousin/sister Peggy Gaffney. In addition, God Blessed her with the bond of two soul sisters, Patricia Chavis and Rosa Bradley Jacques, who shared many years of support, joy, and laughter. Also to mourn this loss is a host of special nephews, nieces and other close relatives, and special friends through her church family.