Reatha Bell Smith Coard, wife of the late Stephen Coard went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 while at Palmetto Health Tuomey.
She was born on April 7, 1927 in Clarendon County, she was the daughter of the late Levy Smith and Julia Brown Smith. After marriage, she and her husband began their careers and moved to Brooklyn, New York; although, she attended school in South Carolina, Reatha graduated from The University of the State of New York Education Department with a High School Equivalency Diploma.
She was a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York for over sixty-five years. At Cornerstone, she served faithfully as an active Sunday School scholar and Sunday School teacher. Ms. Coard also was a member of the Royal Progessive Ministry at Cornerstone and was fondly known as the Candy Lady.
Survivors include one sister, Dorothy Mae Smith Witherspoon, of Sumter, SC; five step-sisters, France Dingle, Ida Ellison, Norvel Frazier, Lillie Ida Oliver, and Alice Whitaker; one step-brother, Augusta Owens; one aunt, Ida Lee Brown Fleming of Eastover, SC and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Public Viewing will be held on Friday November 4, 2016 from 2:00-4:30pm at Job's Mortuary.
Ms. Coard will be placed in the church on Sat. at 2pm for viewing until the hour of service.
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 3pm at Salem Chapel & heritage Center 101 S. Salem Ave, Sumter with Rev. Dr. Nate Brock, Officiating and Rev. Dr. Harry S. Wright Sr., Eulogist
Interment will follow in Hillside Memorial Park.
Family will be receiving friends at the home of her niece 23 Monroe Street, Sumter