REST FOR A MOMENT and then REJOICE FOR ETERNITY!
Pastor Sylvia Keller was born in Robeson County on August 26, 1947 to Minor and Addie Jacobs Harding. She was Pastor of Fayetteville Free Will Holiness Church for 28 years and was the Founder and President of Save the Babies House of Refuge, Inc. She served on the Board of Ordination of the Trent River Free Will Holiness Association, Inc. and she served on the Board of Directors for Operation Blessing. She was on the Prison Board Ministry for Hoke County Correctional Institute.
Pastor Keller was an amazing woman of God who left behind a legacy of love, faith and selflessness. She was dedicated to serving God and serving others. Her life is a testimony of sacrifice and opportunity. She took everything God gave her and gave back. As a Pastor, she was not only concerned for the redemption of souls but her heart's desire was that babies would have a chance at life. Through her ministry at Save the Babies House of Refuge she was able to help bring 109 lives into this world. Her life touched so many by her generosity and love for all. She will be greatly missed and this world will never be the same.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband, William R. "Bill" Keller of the home; two daughters, Kimberly Robinson and husband, Wayne of Hope Mills and Dena Lowery and husband, Tracy of Fayetteville; four grandchildren, Kaitlin Joy Robinson, Skylond LaChase Todd, Kendall Faith Robinson, and Joshua Pierce Lowery; five brothers, Jerry Harding, Carl Harding, Wade Harding, James Harding and Louis Harding; three sisters, Margie Brown, Fay Carpenter, and Aggie Hales.
The Overseer's personal notes:
Pastor Keller was one of the greatest ladies that I have ever had the privilege to know. She was a visionary that not only had the visions but acted on them.
The people, along with the Boards and Staff of the FWH Association loved Pastor Keller beyond words. We have not been colleagues BUT family. She was such an asset to this ministry.
She served on the Board of Ordination of the Association for many years and Pastored our Fayetteville FWH church for 28 years.
My Grandfather, Rev. Ruben Jones met Sis. Keller around 30 years ago and saw potential in her that she didn't even see. He quickly made it possible for her to receive her ordination with the FWH Association where she has served faithfully and passionately for all of these years. Rev. Jones needed a Pastor for the Fayetteville FWH Church and he placed her there to replace the retiring Pastor Sis. Seals. Under the leadership of Rev. Jones she was established and set up for ministry that would grow to what it is today.
At the passing of Rev. Jones (my Grandfather), Rev. Dr. Joyce Bryant (my Mother) filled the office of Overseer of the Association. Pastor Keller served under her leadership faithfully and they became the best of friends. Their relationship was the greatest example of the God kind of Love.
I (Rev. Dr. Teresa Ammons), at the passing of Rev. Bryant (my Mother), have been left with the privilege of filling the office of Overseer of the Association and Pastor Keller and I have had a relationship that went beyond me just being her Overseer but a relationship of Sister and Friend.
Pastor Keller was a private person but the personal things that we shared I will cherish forever! From the many hours of late night talks to our high "5's" while preaching (LOL)! She shared with me joys, sorrows, trials, heartaches, praise reports, good times and bad. What a friendship and sisterhood that we shared. Things that will always stay private between the two of us.
The things that I loved and admired about Pastor Keller are many but one thing stands out......She was acquainted with and rubbed elbows with the Elite but what I appreciate is that Sis. Keller remained grounded and real! There was NO FAKE about her. What you saw is what you got. Nothing show off about her! She was not impressed with WHO you thought you were....her concern was your soul. Just another thing that we had in common.
Her name: Sylvia Keller means - A Selfless Friend Dwelling in the Spirit
A woman of extraordinary supernatural essence! She heard from God! She celebrated and served Jesus with a passion! We will miss her greatly and we will forever be touched by the cherished memories of this magnificent lady!
My Sister, My Friend.....I say to you today....Take your rest but for a moment and then Rejoice for eternity! We'll see you again.....I'll love you always!
Overseer - Rev. Dr. Teresa Ammons
