Ruth Doris Saverance

Bishopville, SC

Ruth Doris Saverance, 98, left her earthly home and body and entered into her eternal heavenly home with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Born Jan. 11, 1913, in Lee County, she was a daughter of the late Norma Davis Stephenson and E.P. Stephenson of Bishopville. Mrs. Saverance was a lifelong member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Bishopville. She retired in 1975 from Carolina Power and Light Co. (Progress Energy) after more than 32 years of service.

She is survived by her two children, James P. Saverance Sr. (Pam) of Bishopville and Norman S. Heriot (Joe) of Sumter. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Stephen Heriot (Malissia), Caroline Heriot Hinton (Harold), James P. Saverance Jr. (April), Michael Saverance and Susan Saverance Hill (Ryan); step-grandchildren, Charles Saverance (Judy), Kathy Gilliland (Tom), Russell Saverance, Todd Saverance (Jodi) and Jana Saverance; several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and special dear friends.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Jesse Ray Saverance; a stepson, Jerard Ray Saverance; infant twin grandsons; a brother, Ray Stephenson; and nephews, Del Saverance and Mike Saverance.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Bishopville with the Rev. Henry Altman officiating. Burial will be in Bethlehem Methodist cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Hancock-Elmore-Hill Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Bethlehem United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 167, Bishopville, SC 29010.

Hancock-Elmore-Hill Funeral Home of Bishopville is in charge of the arrangements.