Virginia B. Rentz lived out her faith in the Lord as a devoted pastor’s wife and servant to her community.
Rentz, 82, of Jesup, passed away Sunday, March 16.
Rentz was married to the Rev. Dr. Derrell Rentz, who served for about 25 years as pastor of the Hickox Baptist Church in Brantley County. Mrs. Rentz served alongside her husband during that time.
“Sis. Virginia was a woman of deep faith and a prayer warrior,” recalls longtime friend Charlene Thomas.
Thomas recalled Rentz’s favorite verse in the Bible was Phillipians 4:8: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
“She tried to live her life by thinking on those good things,” Thomas said. “She was always just calm and peaceful.
Thomas and her husband, former county chairman Terry Thomas, were on the search committee that first brought the Rentzes to Brantley County when Dr. Rentz was going to seminary school.
Terry Thomas echoed those remarks. “Sis. Virginia was just genuine,” he said. “I never saw her lose her cool. She took care of her husband and her children and, she helped to look after the flock alongside her husband.”
Long-time friend and fellow church member Pam Herrin Sinclair said it was an honor and blessing to know Mrs. Rentz and the whole Rentz family.
“I was a member at Hickox (Baptist) for over 25 years and cherish all the memories I had with her,” Sinclair said. “She helped me through a very difficult time in my life. I look forward to seeing her again in Glory.”
After serving at Hickox, the Rentzes moved on to Wayne County where they later retired.
Funeral services for Rentz were held Saturday, March 22, from the Red Hill Baptist Church in Wayne County.
