Obituary
Guest Book
1919
2017
Elizabeth Rikard Sessions
LEXINGTON – Well done, 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 your Lord. Matthew 25:21.
. . . Absent from the body . . . present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8.
Elizabeth Rikard Sessions was ushered into Glory on February 24, 2017. She was born January 19, 1919, the daughter of the late Lewie and Bertha Rikard of Gilbert, South Carolina. She was educated in the Gilbert schools and graduated valedictorian of her class. She attended and graduated from Columbia Bible College (CIU). She taught Bible in SC public schools. While recuperating from surgery, she went to be with her sister and brother-in-law in Chicago. It was there she met Franklin H. Holstedt, and they were married in SC. They served together as administrators of Rikard Nursing Homes. They had one daughter, Mary Carolyn.
On February 23, 1967 her husband, Frank, went before her in death. Years later, she married Rountree Sessions, Sr. and they served the Lord together through church ministry and Lay Renewal Ministries both nationally and internationally. Tree was called home July 30, 1999. She continued Christian service at her beloved CIU through the Ladies Prayer group, serving on the CIU Board of Trustees and as a liaison between Ben Lippen School and CIU Board of Trustees. She was awarded Distinguished Alumni and received an honorary doctorate from CIU. She faithfully served as chaplain to the women in the Lexington Correctional Facility. She also served through teaching her adult SS class and a ladies bible study at Lexington Baptist Church.
She is survived by a daughter, Mary H. Taylor and her husband, Don; grandchildren, Dr. Elizabeth Michelle Clevenger and husband, Todd; great-grandson, Caleb, Donald Franklin Taylor and wife, Dr. Charis Taylor; great-grandchildren, Savannah, Caroline, Abigail, and William Franklin and granddaughter, Meredith McKellar Taylor; step-children, Thomas Rountree Sessions, Jr. (Peggy), Ann Sessions (John Warsaw), and Julie Sessions (Tim Gross); step-grandchildren, Sarah Sessions, Stacey Westberry (Lance); step-great-grandchildren, Caroline and Kirsten Westberry; sister, Naomi Rikard Cothran and sister-in-law, Audrey Holstedt Bennett.
She is preceded in death by husband, Franklin H. Holstedt and two infant children; husband, T. Rountree Sessions, Sr.; brother, L.L. Rikard Jr., and sister, Ruby Rikard Wilcox.
Memorials can be made to CIU-Elizabeth R. Sessions Scholarship, BLS-Elizabeth R. Sessions Scholarship and CIU Athletics, 7435 Monticello Road, Columbia, SC 29203 or Lexington Baptist Church sponsored church plant in Portland, Oregon, 308 East Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Caughman-Harman Funeral Home - Lexington Chapel.
March 1, 2017
Hazel Shull
We are so sorry for the loss of Elizabeth but rejoice in her life well lived. We pray that God will give you His peace and comfort during these difficult days. Lonnie and Hazel Shull
March 1, 2017
So sorry for your loss, may the God of heaven be with all of you during this very difficult time. Hopkins, SC
March 1, 2017
Nice lady she was
her Bible she'd tell
gone on to heaven
we know very well.
When needing a friend
no better you'd find
those were the Sessions
those two of a kind.
Deborah McGraw
February 27, 2017
5
February 27, 2017
Karen Parrish
Mrs. Sessions was an inspiration to all who knew her. May those who loved her be overwhelmed with peace and comfort by our Heavenly Father whom she served so faithfully.
February 27, 2017
I will always cherish her memory and her entire family legacy. My first thought after I heard of her passing was "well done my good and faithful servant". She was so beautiful inside and out, such a treasure to her family and all that knew her.
February 27, 2017
Margaret Taylor
I will always cherish her memory and her entire family legacy. My first thought after I heard of her passing was "well done my good and faithful servant". She was so beautiful inside and out, such a treasure to her family and all that knew her.
February 27, 2017
Don & Betty Roberts
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
February 27, 2017
Suzette Rikard
Mary Carolyn, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. What an amazing Christian lady your mama was and my mama loved her dearly. I know my mama is tickled to pieces to have her in her company now. May God be with you in the days and months ahead. God Bless.
February 27, 2017
Beverly Hook
Mary Carolyn, my thoughts and prayers are with all of your family. I have wonderful childhood memories of your beautiful Mother at Lexington Baptist and her sweet smile. God Bless.
February 27, 2017
Jim Harpe
I will always hold her in my heart! She was a true Southern Lady. I had the pleasure of working with her as she mentored students at the Lexington One Alternative Program. God gave her many talents, one was connecting with at-risk students to make a positive difference in their lives.
With much respect, she will be missed!
Jim Harpe
February 27, 2017
Beth Freeman
Mrs. Elizabeth was an inspiration and encouragement to all who knew her and especially to me. She was a sweet "Sister in Christ" and always encouraging me in missions. She was most loved and will be missed by all. I am happy for her reunion with loved ones in heaven where she is hearing today the results of her prayers for others and salvation for the lost in our world. I'm praising God for her life well lived for Him, and the legacy she has left her family and all she knew. I'm praying that her family will have much comfort in these sorrowful days, and joy in the sweet memories as you remember her each day to come.
February 27, 2017
Rev. Rich McLawhorn
Mrs. Sessions was a fine Christian lady who I got to know years ago when we lived in Lexington. I thank God for her and others who God used to show me what true, living Christian faith looks like.
February 27, 2017
The Staff of Caughman-Harman Funeral Home
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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