Funeral services for the late Mrs. Velma Stewart Rumph will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2017 at 11:00 am at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Blackville, SC. Interment services will be held in the church cemetery.  Viewing for the public will be held on Friday at the Bamberg Chapel from 12:00 noon -8:00 pm.


Mrs. Velma Stewart Rumph was born to the late Mark and Arie Stewart, Sr. on September 26, 1930.  She departed this life on Tuesday, August 1, 2017, at her residence.

She was educated in the Bamberg County Public School Systems in Bamberg, South Carolina. She was a loving wife and caregiver for many years.

At an early age, she joined Free Gift Baptist Church in Branchville, South Carolina.  She later joined Pilgrim Baptist Church in Midway Community (Bamberg, South Carolina).  Velma served on the Usher Board for many years until her health failed.  In addition, Velma enjoyed cooking, singing and spending time with her family and grandchildren.

She was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Samuel Rumph, and to their union, seven children were born.

Four siblings preceded her in death:  Mark, Gerald, Never and Rose.

She leaves to cherish her memories:  seven children, Birdie (Arthur) Gillans of Brooklyn NY, Carl Rumph of York, PA, Albert (Bobbie) Rumph of Atlanta, GA, Bernice (Freeman) Blake, Patricia (Robert) Thompson, Betty (Earnest) Sexton, and James (Eartha) Rumph all of Bamberg, SC; a grandson, Gary Gillians of Atlanta, GA, who was reared in the home; nineteen grandchildren; thirty-three great grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren; an adopted daughter and son, Linda and Willie Samuel; a special friend, Dorothy Manigault and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.