Prudence Elvira Cooper Ballinger

Title

Prudence Elvira Cooper Ballinger

Description

Prudence Elvira Cooper Ballinger, 101, entered into eternal peace on Friday, July 12, 2013, at her home. Prudence was born February 1, 1912, the youngest daughter of the late Marcel and Nannie Todd Cooper and wife of the late George Ballinger. She graduated from Simpsonville High School on March 29, 1932 as the valedictorian. She then furthered her education and graduated from The Lincoln Institute of Practical Nursing in 1957.
She began working at Greenville General Hospital as a Nurse's Aide and was transferred to the newly built Allen Bennett Hospital in Greer to train nurses and orderlies. She worked for Allen Bennett for 36 years. She retired from Allen Bennett in 1977. But she was not ready to sit at home. Ms. Ballinger then began to work for Upjohn HealthCare Services as a Home Health Aide. She worked for them for 18 years. At the same time, she sat privately with patients.
Not only was Prudence a dedicated employee in caring for those that could not care for themselves, she was a dedicated woman of God. She was baptized at an early age at Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Simpsonville, SC. She was very active at Cedar Grove and even assisted her father as secretary of the Reedy River Baptist Association. The Historical Society of Simpsonville came to her for information to write a book of the history of Simpsonville. Cedar Grove Church also came to her to help them write the history of their church. Upon moving to Greer, she joined Maple Creek Missionary Baptist Church where she served faithfully.
Her life was predicted on servanthood. As a dedicated member of Maple Creek Church in Greer, SC, she served as a Sunday school teacher for 35 years. She also served as Sunday School Superintendent and Assistant superintendent for over 35 years. She was known to be the first to arrive on Sunday mornings to get everything in place for Sunday school. But the ministry that was most dear to her heart was the Usher Board. Ms. Ballinger was a member of the Maple Creek Usher Board for some 68 years and served as President for a majority of those years. Even after she was not able to stand at the door due to pain in her legs, she still came to church dressed in her white uniform! She even served as past Chaplain of the Entree River Ushers Auxiliary. As she increased in age, she became the mother of the church.
Prudence was very independent! She had a garden she worked in with a plow until she was in late 80s. She could swing an ax at 99 better than any man! And she drove her little black car until she turned 98. The only reason she gave up driving was the DMV would not renew her license. She lived alone until one month before her death. She cooked for herself and cleaned her own house. And she dared anyone to try to assist her! Many would ask her what her secret to longevity was. She would simply say that she honored her mother and father. For she took God at His word (Exodus 20:12)! She took care of her own mother until her mother passed away at the ripe age of 103! Her lifelong wish was to be able to care for herself and not be a burden to her family.
She was very reluctant to accept how old she was, until her great-granddaughter received a copy of the census record that proved she was 6 years older than what she had been telling everyone. But when she turned 100, she was thrilled! A birthday party was thrown for her at her home in 2012. At that time, she was presented with a proclamation from the City of Greer, SC by the Honorable Wayne Griffin. She was so happy to have her family including her nieces and nephews from Baltimore, MD and Atlanta, GA along with several church members.
She was predeceased in death by her parents along with her sisters: Mrs. Lucille Westmoreland, Mrs. Gertrude Jackson, Mrs. Eliza Harris, Mrs. Nannie Mae Simpson, and Mrs. Hayzette Owens and her brothers: Mr. Mancel Cooper, Jr. and Mr James Cooper. She leaves behind to cherish fond memories her daughter Ms Hazel Lee Rice of Taylors, SC; her granddaughter Mrs Ettie Pearl (Jesse) Booker of Taylors, SC; two step grandsons Rev. Edward Ballinger of Greer, SC and Mr Edward Earl Rice of Brooklyn, NY; and two loving great-granddaughters Miss Shankar Samecious Benson and Miss Laratifter Denise Benson of Taylors, SC. She also has a host of additional great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
All those that had the pleasure of meeting her knew her as a very kind and gentle soul; she had a loving and generous heart, and was always giving and taking care of others. She epitomized the Proverbs 31 woman. She was a capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman. She was far more precious than jewels, and her value was far above rubies or pearls. Strength and dignity were her clothing, and her position was strong and secure. When she opened her mouth, it was in skillful and godly wisdom, and on her tongue was the law of kindness. Her daughter, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews rose up and called her blessed. She was loved by all and is missed immensely!

birthday

February 1, 1912

Death Date

July 12, 2013

Occupation

Nurse's Aide at Greenville General Hospital, trained nurses and orderlies, Home Health Aide at Upjohn HealthCare Services

Date

Written July 2013