Shirley Abernathy

Shirley Videon Abernathy went to be with her living Savior, Jesus Christ on February 22, 2015. Shirley (Anne Shirley) was born to Calvin and Anna Videon on April 5, 1927 in Staten Island, NY. She met the love of her life, William E. Abernathy, of Hiddenite, NC, while he served with the US Navy on Staten Island. They were married on July 20, 1946.

Shirley was a devoted pastor's wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and a dedicated friend to many. She was an active member of Immanuel Baptist Church for 46 years, teaching children in Sunday School and AWANA, working in the Maternity Resource Center, and serving in many other capacities. In more recent years when health limited her involvement, she continued to be an active prayer warrior. She and her husband served full-time in four churches: Jones Memorial Methodist Church, Mooresville, NC; Pennside Community Chapel in New Castle, DE; First Baptist Church, Newfield, NJ; and Immanuel Baptist Church, Columbus, OH.

She is survived by her dearly beloved husband of almost 69 years, Pastor William Abernathy, Sr., a sister, Doris C. Johnsen of Staten Island, NY, and by three children and their spouses: Betty (Bob) Allen of Gahanna, Ohio; Joy (Pastor Thayne) Bodenmiller of Westfield, NY; and Pastor Bill (Peggy) Abernathy, Jr. of Portage, MI; 10 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Newborn twin sons and a great granddaughter, Audrey Allen, are already safe in the arms of Jesus.

A private graveside service will be held.

Visitation hours will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church, 3417 Palmetto St. in Columbus on Thursday, February 26, 2015 from 2-4 and 6-8, and a celebration of rejoicing will be held at Immanuel on Friday, February 27, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.

Officiating at the service of memorial will be Pastor Bill Abernathy, Jr., Pastor Thayne Bodenmiller and Pastor Brad Rickard. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent to Immanuel Baptist Church to be used for missionaries at the discretion of the family.