Roberta Ramsey

Elizabeth Roberta Parris Ramsey
October 3, 1934 - December 13, 2024
90 Years Young
Elizabeth Roberta Parris Ramsey passed away Friday, December 13, 2024. She was born October 3, 1934, to the late Vadie Melba Smith Parris and Claude Lee Parris. She was the wife of 42 years to the late Ralph K. Ramsey. Roberta was originally from Campobello, SC and relocated to Wellford, SC in 1952, where she resided for 72 years.
Roberta began her professional career with the United States Postal Service as a clerk. She continued to advance in her career and after 35 years of service, she retired as a U.S. Postmaster.
She began her journey serving Jesus Christ at the Lyman Wesleyan Church where she faithfully served in a variety of positions that included music director, Sunday school teacher/superintendent, treasurer, etc. for a period of 60 years. Approximately 10 years ago, she became a loyal and faithful member of the Lyman Methodist Church where she served until her health no longer would permit.
Roberta was also an artist, musician, ballroom dancer, seamstress, crocheter and floral arranger. Her paintings can be seen throughout the area in local establishments with several hanging in local museums. From her artwork, she also made Christmas cards each year to share with her family and friends. She enjoyed playing the piano and organ as well as singing with the Gap Creek Singers for over 25 years. While many of you may not know, Roberta competed regionally in ballroom dancing bringing home several trophies. She was an excellent seamstress where many of her creations could be seen in the clothing her girls and customers wore. For her culinary skills, she was known for the best Mac and Cheese and biscuits.
She had been a member of the Southern Hospitality organization, Volunteered for Breast Cancer Awareness and Cardiac Rehab groups.
All accomplishments and activities set aside, Roberta's greatest achievement and treasure was her family. She was lovingly known as Mother, Mama, Mema and Bert-Bert. She loved each and every member of her family and never failed to pray for each one every day. Roberta is a legacy in every sense of the word, and her legacy will live on in every piece of art she created, in every friendship she made and in her greatest legacy, her precious family.
Roberta had many challenges in life, but she was a fighter and a survivor. A few years ago, she had several mini strokes that affected her ability to do many of the things she loved (tasks that required coordination with her hands). While she never fully regained her ability to do many of these things she so loved, with God's grace and mercy, she was a victorious overcomer. On a daily basis, she could be heard stating "God has been so good to me," and "This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." She persevered and placed her complete trust in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She ran the race and truly fought the good fight with her Heavenly Father encouraging her all the way home to be with Him.
We love you Mother/Mama/Mema/Bert-Bert and are eternally grateful for your life and your commitment to follow Jesus Christ as well as to love and care for us. We will miss you more than words could ever express. Nothing can ever replace the emptiness that is now in our lives.
Roberta was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her son-in-laws, Robin E. West and Russell C. Surles.
Survivors include three daughters: Sandra R. Surles, Melba R. West and Barbara R. Smith; Son-in-Law: Gene H. Smith; Grandchildren: Joshua R. West and wife, Leigh J. West, Jessi A. West and Lauren R. Smith; Three Great-Grandchildren: Noah D. Hill, Tucker R. Hill and Kendall Q. West.
A "Celebration of Life" Service will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, as follows:
Visitation and Memorial Service
Lyman Methodist Church
106 Groce Road
Lyman, SC 29365
10:00 am - Visitation
11:00 am - Memorial Service
Graveside Committal
Perkins Memorial Cemetery
235 Syphrit Road
Wellford, SC 29385
Pastor Erik Grayson will officiate.
Family will be at the home of Roberta.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lyman Methodist Church.
Condolences may be made at www.striblingfuneralhome.net
Stribling Funeral Home
Duncan, SC