Reverend Velda Lee Rucker

Pastor Velda L. Rucker was born in Marianna, Arkansas, on February 9, 1933, to the late McKinley Rucker and the late Bertha Rucker. He grew up on his grandparents’ family farm where he experienced the loving warmth of his grandmother and received strict discipline (and love) from his grandfather. He stayed on the farm helping tend the livestock while being educated in the public schools of Lee County, Arkansas. Velda subsequently enlisted in the United States Navy as a Stewart, one of the only rates reserved for men of color at that time. Velda Rucker received an honorable discharge and began the rest of his life. Pastor Rucker received his calling to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in 1962 and was licensed in 1964, under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Benjamin Singleton. He later joined Fellowship Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio, where he met and married the love of his life, the late Nellie Taylor. They were joined in Holy Matrimony on November 27, 1965. Velda was pushed and encouraged by his wife to further his education; although he was already working at the Ford Motor Company, which was a relatively well-paying job. He attended and graduated from American Baptist College and received his Bachelor of Arts degree. Velda continued his education and matriculated at Ashland Seminary in Ashland, Ohio, where he earned a Master of Arts Degree. Reverend Rucker also engaged in further studies at Trinity Theological Seminary in Newberg, Indiana. Reverend Rucker served faithfully as the pastor of Deliverance Missionary Baptist Church, for eight years. He was later called to serve at Pathway Institutional Baptist Church where many, if not all the members, from Deliverance Missionary Baptist Church followed him. While serving as the pastor at Pathway, he also served as Head Chaplain for the Cuyahoga County Jail, until he retired in the early 1990’s. Although Velda and Nellie lived for many years in Cleveland, they decided to return to Nellie’s home of origin, Sumter, South Carolina. Upon arriving in Sumter, he and his wife joined and began ministering at Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Rucker was appointed to the church staff as the pastor of the Golden Ministry, Nursing Home Ministry and the Prayer Band Ministry by the church’s senior pastor, Reverend Marion Newton. In that capacity, he oversaw the Tuesday worship and Bible Study service, seniors’ activities, and Nursing Home Services. Pastor Rucker ministered with great humility and passion. Pastor Rucker transitioned from this life to receive his final and greatest reward on June 12, 2023. We can be assured he was greeted by his loving earthly wife, Nellie; but, even greater, he was received by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who shared these sentiments with him, “Well done thy good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of Lord.” Matthew 25:23 Pastor Rucker is survived by his daughters, Renee (George) and Natalie; sons, Derek (Sabrina) and Cedric (Latisha); granddaughters, Payton and Helena; grandsons, Jaison (Kacey) and Joei; great-grandson, Legend; and a host of cousins and close friends who loved him immensely and will miss him greatly.

Reverend Velda Lee Rucker

February 9, 1933 - June 12, 2023

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