Obituary of Reuben A Jervey

Reuben Jervey was born in Bonneau, South Carolina on March 16, 1924; to the late Louis Jervey Sr. and Susie Rollerson Jervey. He departed this life peacefully at home on October 1, 2020. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Marie Garrison-Jervey, his daughter Karen Jervey and son Keith Jervey, Sr. and siblings Wilson, Maude Paige, Ben, Richard, Daniel, Esaw, Jacob, Rebecca, William, James, Louis, Jr. Lillie Mae Campbell, Willis Brown & Joe Gosen. Reuben received his early education in Bonneau, South Carolina. He migrated to Delaware in 1944 following his uncle & several brothers. He joined Grace AME Zion Church, under the leadership of Reverend L.A. Lawson, which was renamed Scott AME Zion; He served as a trustee for many years and along with his brothers provided exemplary care of the church building and grounds. In 1998 he joined Spirit & Truth Deliverance Ministries, Inc. under the leadership of Bishop Jon D. Jervey and was known as the father of the church; a position he was Godly proud of. He also served as the facility manager until his health prohibited him from continuing in that role. The church’s fellowship hall was renamed in their honor to the Reuben & Betty Jervey Fellowship Hall in 2015. Reuben had a very close relationship with his Lord & Savior and would share his salvation story with everyone. During his final trip to South Carolina he visited St. Peters A.M.E. Church and recounted his salvation story with all in attendance. On January 15, 1949, Reuben was joined in holy matrimony to the love of his life & soul mate, the late Betty Marie Garrison Jervey. They were married for 67 years until her death. From this union they were blessed to have six children Karen-D, Keith-D, Cynthia, Francine, Regina, and Tyrone. Reuben was born with an entrepreneurial spirit & often worked multiple 9-5 jobs to help support his dream companies. He worked for DuPont 1952-1977 until his health no longer permitted; he later worked for the Christiana School district from 1978-1989. In addition to these positions he served as owner & operator of his various businesses: Jervey Sunoco, Jervey Trash Collection & Jervey Janitorial. “Pop” as he was lovingly referred to was widely known, respected, friendly, & gracious in the neighborhood. He would often give advice, play with neighborhood dogs, & would often be a ear to listen. In 2017, he received an award for being the longest living resident in the neighborhood. Pop is said to have never met a stranger & would often leave appointments or department stores having made new friends. Pop was dearly beloved by his entire family, from his oldest child to his youngest great, great grandchild. He was content to stay in the background & was a quiet sense of support , love & strength for his family. He leaves to cherish his memory four children; Cynthia (Theo), Francine (Stanley), Regina, Tyrone (Toni); ten grandchildren Cynthia, Jon (Nailah), Keith, Tiffany, Bernard (Patricia), Maurice (Demeeka-D), Claryssa (Sean), Gary (Lauretta), Tyrell (Monika), Tyler; 20 great– grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren, & a host of family and friends.