"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" - II Timothy 4:7

Ruth Elizabeth Saunders Rembert was born on October 1, 1916 to Bessie Leola Martin Saunders in Petersburg, Virginia. She grew up in North Braddock, Pennsylvania, along with nine siblings: Socrates, Leola, Celess, John Wesley, twins Berdett and Bernetha, Shivar William, and twins Joseph and Josephine. Ruth was the fifth child of the ten children. Ruth's great-grandparents originated from the Congo (modern day Cameroon, West Africa). They arrived in Charleston, SC on a slave ship and were bought by John Martin of Jenkinsville, SC.

Ruth graduated from Scott High School in North Braddock, Pennsylvania. During her high school years, she was a January graduate and was sent down South after graduation. She traveled along-side her cousin, Rev. Andrew Hugine. Her mother told her that she was sending her to South Carolina to meet family. While in Jenkinsville, she received a letter from her beloved mother, Bigmomma; she was instructed to enroll in school. Ruth cried wanting to return to Pennsylvania, but she enrolled at Allen University. While at Allen, she was a first-string basketball player, and she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She received her Master's degree from the University of Pittsburg.

In 1941, she arrived in St. Stephen via train and was escorted to the home of Ms. Gwendolyn Darby and lived with the Darby family for many years. She began her teaching career at St. Stephen Elementary School. She also taught at the Cordesville School. After the new school was built in the area, she taught at Cainhoy School until she took a position at Russellville High School. When Russellville High became St. Stephen High School, she continued her career there teaching both French and English and coaching boys and girls basketball. She taught for forty-one years in Berkeley County as a French/English teacher. She also did substitute work at Timberland High School after retirement.

After moving to St. Stephen, one Sunday, Ms. Rebecca Jefferson invited Ruth to attend an Usher's Anniversary at Redeemer's church in Pineville. On that Sunday as Willie (Bill) Rembert was passing by, Rebecca stopped him and introduced him to Ruth. Shortly after, he began to "court" Ruth, and two years later they were married at Redeemer Reformed Episcopal Church in Pineville (on a Sunday afternoon after the Synodical Council). They were married over 60 years before Willie's death in September 2008. This union was blessed with two children, Willa Ruth (who preceded her in death in September 2000) and Socrates Berkeley. She has also been blessed with one grandson, Rasheith, who was reared in the home as a son.

As a youth, she was affiliated with Calvary AME Church in Braddock, PA. After marriage, she joined Redeemer R. E. Church in Pineville where she was an avid and faithful Sunday School scholar and head of the Refreshment and Graduate Committee.  Three years ago, the awards program was named the Ruth E. S. Rembert Awards and Recognition Program.

Ruth wore many hats: mother, grandmother, godmother, sister, auntie, cousin and friend. Many simply called her Mrs. Rembert, while others called her Whoss (a name given to her by her daughter Willa). She loved people and enjoyed talking and interacting with people of all ages. Teaching for her was a calling rather than a career.

Ruth's life mantra was "Don't die on third base." She used that saying for many years to encourage both young and old to persevere, stay motivated and to keep trying no matter what the situation or circumstances around them. She attributed her longevity to the fact that she loved God, she tried to live right, she tried to treat people right and to help those around her who were in need.

Those left to cherish fond memories: her loving and devoted family including: Socrates, her son; Rasheith, her grandson; Emoni, Natalia and Blake, her great-granddaughters; Bernetha, her last surviving sibling; surrogate daughters, Alvalene, Almena (also a godchild) and Ramona; two sisters-in-law, Mildred and Patricia; brother-in-law, John; godchildren: Yolanda, Lisa, Cynthia, Druscilla, Elizabeth and Andre; a devoted niece and confidant, Joanie; a devoted cousin, Carutha; nieces, nephews, friends, her church family, neighbors and Quality Care Staff members; sitters: Gail, Bernice, Samira and Mary Ann; her Women Conference buddies: Lillie, Sarah and Maretha; and her many, many, students.

Viewing will be held Sunday, November 15, 2020 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home (Moncks Corner). Her Graveside Service will be held Monday, November 16, 2020, 11:00 a.m., at Greenlawn Cemetery, Highway 52, St. Stephen, SC. As per CDC guidelines for COVID-19, please wear a face mask and practice social distancing at the viewing and the service. The service will be live-streamed on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gethersfh .

Due to the COVID-19, pandemic, the family will not be receiving friends at their home. Thank you for your prayers, understanding and cooperation during this difficult time.