Newspapers / Winston-Salem Chronicle (Winston-Salem, N.C.) / Nov. 29, 2012, edition 1 / Page 2
Part of Winston-Salem Chronicle (Winston-Salem, N.C.) / About this page
This page has errors
The date, title, or page description is wrong
This page has harmful content
This page contains sensitive or offensive material
Rodney remembered as community's 'moral compass' BY LAYLA GARMS THRrHBnwiriJi Friends and loved ones of Rev. Dr. Cedrie Rodney gathered at Home Moravian Church in Old Salem on Tuesday to bid goodbye to the cher ished mentor, community servant and teacher. Rodney passed away on Nov. 20, just weeks before he and his wife. Dr. Mae Lipscomb Rodney, director of Library Services at Winston-Salem State University, would've celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary. Rodney, a native of Georgetown, Guyana, served nearly 30 years over two stints as pastor of St. Philips Moravian Church in Old Salem and recently retired from his post as James A. Gray Distinguished Professor of Religion and Ethics at WSSU, ending an esteemed academic career that spanned four decades. When he took leadership at St Philips - the oldest standing African American church in North Carolina - Rodney became the first full time pastor of die 146 year old organization, and the first ordained minister of African heritage to serve in die Southern Province of the Moravian Church. Today, we are witnessing the passing of someone who influenced and guided die lives of many of us," concluded Conrad Mitchell, chairman of the Trustee Board at St Philips. The name St Philips is synonymous with Dr. Rodney, and Dr. Rodney is synonymous with St. Philips." The 88 year-old was well known in the local sector for his dedication to community service and commitment to his faith. Rev. Richard "Rick" Sides, pastor of Home Moravian Church, said die father of three led "a long and faithful life. "The number of lives he touched with his winsome smile, hearty hand shake and encouraging words is innu merable," Sides remarked. "...He encouraged all of us to be what You (God) created us to be ... to find life's greatest meaning in serving others." Nearly 300 were in attendance. many of whom hailed from Winston Salon State University, the Moravian community or one of die many com munity agencies Rodney worked with over the years. WSSU Provost Brenda Allen offered prepared remarks from former WSSU Chancellor Alvin Schexnider, who established the school's Distinguished Service awards in 1997 and later named them in Rodney's honor, and current Chancellor Donald Reaves, both of whom were unable to attend the 11 ajn. service. "Cedric truly filled the role of a counselor and advisor to many of the students, faculty and staff on the cam pus of Winston-Salem State University. We all knew that he was someone we could depend on to share his wisdom and his insight," Allen said, reading Reaves' remarks. "We will always treasure the gift of having known Dr. Cedric Rodney." Allen, who has served as provost since 2009, hailed Rodney as "the moral compass" for students, faculty and staff. She said Rodney's ethical leadership and strong convictions made him "a tree hero dial should serve as an example for all of us. "Often underestimated because of his calm and level manner. Dr. Rodney was a tenacious fighter what it cranes to accomplishing what he wanted to do," she declared. "...He was a remarkable human being who has left his matt on this community. His legacy at Winston-Salem State University will forever shape the uni versity." In accordance with Moravian tra dition, die Rt Rev. Graham Rights read a memoir he had helped Rodney to write. The memoir looked back on Rodney's long life, beginning with his childhood experiences, many of which were informed by his family's strong commitment to the Christian faith, and highlighting the myriad accomplishments, accolades and per sonal milestones he achieved over the course of his adult life. Rodney was an avid traveler who collected clocks and dabbled in photography and ama teur radio, but his greatest passion lay within the work he did as a preacher and teacher, Rights said. Rodney had led the prayer at WSSU football games since the 1970s and, until his retirement in August, had never missed a game, according to the memoir. Rights said Rodney brought that same dedication to every personal and professional endeavor he took on. "He loved people and he loved his community," Rights declared. "He was a good friend to all who knew him. They found him conscientious and caring. He did his best in whatev er he undertook." Dr. Rodney was buried in Old Salem's God's Acre cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to WSSU Friends of the Library, 227 O'Kelty Library. 27110 or to St. Philips Moravian Church, 3002 Bon Air Avenue, 27105. WSSU Photo by am On Community icon Dr. Cedric Rodney died on Nov. 20. Seniors from page AT the Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz. Howard just signed a one year contract with the Minnesota Tiinberwolves on Nov. 13. The Foundation'! good deeds extend beyond Wins ton-Salem to the cities where Howard has played pro ball. Steve Nivens, the Foundation's Community Relations manager, says seniors are often the focus of the Foundation's activities because Howard is very close to his grandmother, who helped raise him. Children are another focua. Howard holds an annual free bas ketball camp for local kids, often bringing in high-profile basketball talent to help conduct the training. Niveni said the Thanksgiving meal tickets were distributed through churches, recreation cen ters and Healy Towers senior apartments, in hopes that seniors would bring friends with them to eat. "Josh sponsors about 200 sen ior citizens just so they can get together and see each other for old tiroes, because a lot of diem don't get to come out," said Nivens. "...So we just try to keep the bond, keep the community strong." Though Howard's game schedule keeps him away from most of the Foundation's events, he personally conceives of and often funds the initiatives, said Nivens. He added that last year, Howard actually made a sur prise appearance at K&W for the Thanksgiving event. He wasn't playing at the time because of the NBA lock out. NBA teams are back in action now. In fact, Howard and the T-Wolves had a game the night of the event. Still, many senior diners said they felt Howard was there in spirit and expressed gratitude for his generosi ty. "I think it's wonderful because he has the heart to give back to the community, which I'm sure he feels 1 I Ntmu nam by Mtf Lock Lamar Ptrry, Judy FtUUr and Jo Ann Brown. gave so much to him as he was growing up," said Jo Ann Brown. Brown gave tickets to friends Lamar Perry and Judy Felder. The three enjoyed the pro-Thanksgiving meal and fellowship. Perry praised Howard, who attended and played at Glenn High School, for not forgetting his roots. She said Howard is showing those who look up to him through his actions that everyone should reach back, regardless of how high they climb in life. "As ... a role model, (he is) letting them know when you have die opportunity to move ahead, you still have an obligation," said PetTy. Many who got tickets still had plans to enjoy a big Thanksgiving meal the next day with family members. Felder said the free meal and outing was a great break from holiday preparations "It gave me a break from the kitchen baking this morning," she said. At another table, Beverly Lowe, Cassie Taylor and Homer Franklin Cooper dinoi together. They all came from Healy Towers, a public housing complex for sen iors just a short distance away from foe restaurant. They all said that it was a great idea to give out tickets at the complex because some of their neighbors might not have gotten a turkey dinner otherwise. "It's very nice because a lot of people can't afford it," said Lowe. { 6:00 -11:00 pm I /November 17,2012 toT -J January 1,2013 - t Shop^S'^dorTaTthl a^Sdk, and vi* jolly old Santa! pHI S? ? ?> i ? 1 m>] -s w ?-s \ Ncv^j9-20,26-27, |_| || ?| Family $5 $10 $15 i^lf Commercial $15 $20 $25 j /? "ST**" its $90 $90 ?*?? ? ^ . - 1- T - - JM ? j- L ?'Q- ?^: t iyA.?< l?>_ What we enjoyed and loved we an I never /ose, /or all that we love deeply I I becomes a part of us. As die holiday season approaches we reflect on what Hj I our friends mean to us. Whether it was a prayer; call card, or gift, we I I thank you for taking the time to share M with our family during our time of remembrance. Your continued I prayers are welcomed. I I No God, no peace: Know God, know peace m ^B The Chronicle (USPS 067-910) was established by Ernest H. Pitt and Ndubisi Egemonye in 1974 and ispublished every Thursday by Winston-Salem Chronicle Publishing Co. Inc., 617 N. Liberty Street, Winston-Salem, N.C 27101. Periodicals postage paid at Winston-Salem. N.C. Annual subscription price is $30.72. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Chronicle. P.O. Box 1636 Winston-Salem, NC 27102-1636 H RH lit f j Maiig iiiifc il? ? m ?? H & z ^Hi ?sssss:0rtB,M, l @Omt 30 Yam of ExpoHoncoi ^ Mora man 11 IttMon Jj I?I
Winston-Salem Chronicle (Winston-Salem, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
Nov. 29, 2012, edition 1
2
Click "Submit" to request a review of this page. NCDHC staff will check .
0 / 75