Service of Triumph
Commemorating the Life of
Deacon Emeritus Harry Folk
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VISITATION:
Thursday, March 7, 2024
5-7:00 P.M.
Washington's Funeral Home
405 Elm Street West
Hampton, South Carolina 29924
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SERVICE:
Friday, March 8, 2024
1:00 P.M.
Samaritan Missionary Baptist Church
43 Mill Pond Road
Varnville South Carolina 29944
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Reverend Dr. Van E. Gaines, Pastor
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Reflecting Upon His Life
"Let me do what I can, while I can" is now the proverb that will forever mark the legacy of Deacon Emeritus Harry Folk.
Harry began his remarkable life on July 7, 1936, born to the late Deacon Edgar Folk and Deaconess Jarean Mole Folk. He peacefully answered God's call on Friday, March 1, 2024. Harry spent his formative years in Varnville, South Carolina, and attended the former North District Training School. He accepted Christ at a young age and remained a devoted servant of the Lord throughout his life. As a young man, he joined the United States Army and served honorably before being discharged. Harry moved from Varnville, South Carolina to Brooklyn, New York where he married Mary Moore in the summer of 1960. Together they modeled their love for God and each other for 63 years. Harry joined Bright Light Baptist Church in New York in 1967 but later switched to Bethlehem Baptist Church due to transportation issues. Harry initially served on the Usher board at Bethlehem Baptist before being elected as chaplain. Later, he was trained as a Deacon and was ordained by the church pastor, Reverend James I. Williams. He then became the secretary of the Deacon Board and later Co-chairman with Deacon Oscar Johnson in 1973. In the winter of 1978, he returned to Varnville and reunited with his home church, Samaritan Missionary Baptist Church. He worked faithfully to be a positive influence on his church family and took on various responsibilities besides his role as a Deacon. These included being a Sunday school teacher and superintendent. He also loved teaching Bible study. He eventually became Chairman of the Deacon ministry and was later honored with the title of Deacon Emeritus in January 2022 for his valuable contributions. Harry wore other hats in other faith-based sectors, including the Baptist Training Union and the Nazarene Baptist Association, as well as its adjacent institutions, including Union #1 and the Sunday School Convention.
As part of latter collectives, Harry served in some of the following capacities:
- President, Nazarene Baptist Association Sunday School Convention
- Treasurer, Nazarene Baptist Association Sunday School Convention
- Treasurer, Nazarene Baptist Association
- Secretary, Nazarene Baptist Association Union #1
- Board of Trustees Member, Nazarene Baptist Association
He strengthened his relationship with Christ by studying scriptures, attending religious workshops and conventions, locally and nationally, and happily returned to share his knowledge with others. Harry and his wife enjoyed spending time with sister church families, both near and far. Harry's life's purpose extended well beyond his service to God. While he was living in New York, he made the decision to enroll in a certification program for auto mechanics during the evenings. This decision helped him earn a living as he became a skilled auto mechanic and worked at various shops owned by Chrysler Corporation in both New York and South Carolina. After working in the auto repair industry, he became an entrepreneur and opened Harry's Stop-n-Shop, a convenience store that remained a fixture in the Sand Ridge community of Varnville for over 25 years. Harry's commitment to his family was also very important to him. During holidays and special occasions, he enjoyed hosting family at his home and traveling to celebrate their personal and professional milestones. He was a history buff with a sharp memory, who enjoyed challenging himself with game shows, recalling childhood tales, and historical topics. He sat in his favorite recliner and enjoyed watching Westerns. He was also known for his infectious smile and hearty laugh. He had an enormous appetite not only for learning but also for tasty seafood and sweets. He loved everything from shrimp and crabs to chocolate candy bars and mints, but his all-time favorite was banana pudding. And, for many years, he also ate pig feet and potato salad as a regular Saturday meal. Harry is preceded in death by his parents, Deacon Edgar Folk, and Deaconess Jarean (Arthur) Folk-Smith; his siblings: Willie E. Folk, Dr. Frank S. Folk, Melvin Johnson, Frankie Johnson, Suddie Johnson Adams; and his two children: Vivian Folk-Cooper and Hugh J. Folk. Harry leaves behind his cherished memories and a legacy to be carried out by: his loving and dedicated wife Evangelist Mary Folk of the home; his two sons: Richard Fulk of Savannah, Ga., Gregory (Luthmae) Folk of Varnville, S.C.; his daughter: Laurissa (Myron) Dobson of Grovetown, Ga.; his daughter-in-law: Marie Folk of Upper Marlboro, Md.; his brother: Lester (Aline) Folk of Sacramento, Calif.; his sister: Jarean “Jackie” Folk of Brooklyn, N.Y.; his step-sister: Betty (Theodore) Murdaugh of Hampton. S.C.; his brothers-in-law: Jerry Adams of Rock Hill, S.C., Brookert Romey of Columbia, S.C., Edward (Florrie) Moore, and Ferrell (Pearline) Moore, all of Varnville, S.C., Deacon Leon (Irene) Moore of Summerville, S.C., Deacon Sam Capers of Hampton, S.C.; his sisters-in-law: Nanccii Hume-Folk of Brooklyn, N.Y., Felice Folk of Melbourne, Fla., Evangelist Gladys Moore, Janese (Elder Henry) Whitlock, Carrie Patterson, and Blanch Moore, all of Varnville, S.C., Pastor Sadie Moore and Alma Moore, both of Hampton, S.C.; 21 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives, as well as sympathizing friends, church family and community members; a special niece and nephew: Pamela (Quint) Folk-Bowman and Michael (Victoria) Folk; an honorary son and daughter, Deacon Michael Smith and Sally Allen; and a grandson whom he reared in the home, Antwane Folk.
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Recommended Floral Vendor:
BLOOMING INNOVATIONS 2
362 East Washington Street
WALTERBORO, SC 29488
1 (843) 592-0548
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Email Condolences to:
washingtonsfuneralhome@yahoo.com
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