Dr. Rudyne L. Sherfield

Rev. Dr. Rudyne LaVurne Sherfield, treasured mother, sister, grandmother, pastor and friend went home to be with the Lord Saturday, January, 31, 2015 in Wynnewood Pennsylvania. After a brave fight with illness, Dr. Sherfield, a resident of Philadelphia, passed on to glory at the age of eighty-one. The esteemed Dr. Sherfield was born July 18, 1933, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Jacob Lawrence and Madame Anna Mae Lundy-Lewis. Dr. Sherfield was happily married and birthed eight children. Rev. Sherfield began her ministry under the leadership of Pastor E. Rollerson and Bishop Norris Hasting of National Pentecostal Churches of God. She later, faithfully served the Calvary Pentecostal Churches, Inc. under the late Bishop W.G. Dukes, and current Bishop Harold Hazzard. Rev. Dr. Sherfield is the founder of Loving Memorial Pentecostal Church in Philadelphia, PA. Over the years, she has faithfully taught and preached the Word of God, reaching many people throughout her fifty plus years of ministry. She has also been keynote speaker, held seminars and shut-ins throughout the United States and abroad. In 1970 the Lord blessed Dr. Sherfield with the opportunity to minister to three of the largest gangs in the Philadelphia area. She received the title of Mother Sherfield from the Eighth and Diamond Gang Members who often stated, they would forever envision her with her bible in her hand and a holy covering on her head. Mother Sherfield's witness resulted in many of these large gangs disintegrating and their members accepting Christ. She preached the funerals of those that did not accept the Savior. Young people packed the aisles, as the doors of the church opened at these services. Dr. Sherfield graduated from Temple University and Spirit of Truth Institute, receiving her highest academic honor, Doctor of Divinity. During her ministry, she was honored with many awards, certificates, and celebrations. Dr. Sherfield was a kind, generous, intelligent woman who inspired people with her faith in God. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor, and friend. She was serious about her work for the Lord and also known for her amiable personality. She loved people and enjoyed making memories with her family. All who knew her embraced her favorite scripture, Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". She also lived her favorite song, "If I can Help Somebody Along the Way". Dr. Sherfield was a woman of many talents and interests, who aspired to be both knowledgeable and proficient in everything she set her mind to accomplish. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jacob Lawrence and Madame Anna Mae Lundy-Lewis; sons, Luther Sherfield, Jr. and Mark Sherfield; and siblings, Molly Lawrence-Newsome, Ella-Mae Lawrence-Porter, Gloria Lawrence-Stephens, Beverly Dawson, Jacob Lawrence, and Leon Lawrence. Dr. Sherfield leaves to cherish her memories; six children: Dorothy (James) Harrington of Northern, VA; Dale Brown of Northern, VA; Victor Hemphill, of Philadelphia, PA; Edward-Andre' (Donna) Hemphill, of Northern VA; Rudy Lee Sherfield, of Ohio; and Timothy Jacob Sherfield, Sr. (Lajuana) of King George, VA. She was the revered grandmother of LaVurne D. Ferron-Williams (2), Edward J. Ferron (2), Daniel Harrington, Yolanda Pearson (1), Janet Keys, James Harrington, Jr. (2), Dishon Hemphill (1), Dorothy Jean Ancrum (3), Derinda LaVurne Brown (3), David Gardner (1), Jacob Gardner, Dawn-Marie Austin (1), Dana Austin (1), Edward Andre' Sherfield, Jr. (3), Kareema Sherfield (1), Mark Sherfield, Jr., Dearth Sherfield, Diane Sherfield, Ciara Messiah, Timothy Jacob Sherfield, Jr. (1), Dominique Saunders, Shydel Sherman (1), Tisheena LaVurne Sherfield (1) , Asialon Roberts, Shalona Sherfield, Savonne Sherfield, and Elijah Sherfield. She also has 22 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Dr. Sherfield also leaves behind three sisters: Marie Lawrence Emory and Brenda Lawrence McGriff of Jacksonville, Florida; Betty Glover of Newark, New Jersey and five brothers: Oddie Van Lawrence, Bobby Lawrence, and Isaac Lawrence of Jacksonville, Florida; Lamonte Lewis of California; and Carlton Lewis of Richmond, VA; many nieces and nephews; her congregation at Loving Memorial; Calvary Church family and many beloved friends. Read Rev. Dr. Rudyne Sherfield's Obituary and Guestbook on houseofwrightmortuary.com.