Lydia Vernell Ravenell

Mrs. Lydia Vermell Brunson Ravenell, 70, of Dalehurst Drive, Holly Hill, passed away on February 27, 2025, in the Roper St. Francis Berkeley Hospital, Summerville, SC.

Mrs. Ravenell, daughter of the late Rufus and Netter Johnson Brunson, was born on May 27, 1954 in the St. Paul community of Summerton, SC. She was a 1972 graduate of Scott’s Branch High School.

Growing up, Lydia attended Liberty Hill AME Church, in Summerton with her family. She later joined Greater Friendship AME in Santee, SC, where she worked faithfully as an usher, Stewardess, a member of Seniors on the Move and a member of the kitchen committee for many years under the leadership of Reverend John C. Smalls and Reverend Willie H. Brown.

On September 2, 1980, she was joined in holy matrimony to Sammie Lee Ravenell. They were blessed with two children, Latanya and Reginald.

For over 30 plus years, she worked in food service for Clarendon School District One. During this time, she touched the lives of many students and would often serve as a mother figure to many of the young first year teachers that worked at the schools to which she was assigned.

Lydia had a joy for cooking and feeding others. It always brought a smile to her face to see others enjoying the meals she prepared. But more than cooking, she had a love for working with children. During the summer months, she always had some of her nieces and nephews with her. She would take them under her wings, nurture them while instilling valuable life lessons within them. But this was with all children, no matter where she was.

Lydia also loved fishing and working in her flower garden. However, what she enjoyed most of all was spending time with the apples of her eyes, her grandchildren Kayla and Evan.

Lydia leaves to cherish her precious memories, her husband of 44 years Sammie Lee Ravenell of the home; two children Latanya Ravenell of Santee, SC and Reginald (Jessica) Ravenell of Blythewood, SC; two grandchildren Kayla and Evan of Blythewood, SC; three brothers Robert (Machele) Brunson of Brooklyn, NY; Ernest Brunson of Summerton, SC and Ronald (Roberta) Brunson of Manning, SC; four sisters-in-law Rosanna Gethers of Cross, SC, Helen Mack, Lula Dupree and Ollie Ravenell of Holly Hill, SC; two brothers-in-law Harry L. Jefferson of Holly Hill, SC and Joseph Dupree of Bowman, SC; two Godsons, Cameron Goodwin and Davon Wilder; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Ravenell will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Greater Friendship AME Church, 3669 Tee Vee Road, Santee, with Rev. Willie H. Brown, the Pastor officiating.  The casket will be placed in the church at 12 Noon.  Burial will follow in the Dantzler Cemetery, Santee, SC.

Public viewing is scheduled Wednesday March 5th from 2 until 6 PM at Williams Funeral Home of Elloree.

The family is receiving friends at 212 Dalehurst Drive between the hours of 5 and 8 PM daily.  Friends may also call the funeral home.