Mrs. Grethel L. Rentz, Nonagenarian, was born November 7, 1918 in Suwanee County, Florida. Parents Leroy and Winnie Jones McClendon, precede her in death. She received her education in Suwannee County. On Monday, August 8, 2016 following an illness, she answered the call of the Lord at Haven Hospice of Lake City, Florida. She was a born again Christian and in August of 1937, she joined the Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church, serving actively in many capacities, including: Mother of the Church and Chairperson of the Deaconess Ministry for many years until her health began to fail. Grethel was united in holy matrimony to Luke Rentz on December 26, 1936 and to this union five children were born. Mr. Rentz also precedes her in death. Despite being born into a segregated world, she and her husband Luke had a flourishing and prosperous farm. After Lukes death, she continued to use her entrepreneurial skills to continue the family business. Hers was a true American story; a hard worker, never working for anyone else. She had a sharp business mind and a remarkable memory. Other precedents in death: sons, Ulysees, Daniel and Carl Rentz; sister, Ethel Hutchins; brothers, Leroy Jr, (Bubba) and Milton McClendon.
Left to sustain her legacy: three children, Winnie Richardson, Lake City, FL, Eloise Rentz, Waterbury, CT, Herman Rentz, Lake City, FL; daughter-in-law, Shirley Rentz; brothers, Jimmie McClendon (Ruthie), Willie McClendon (Grace); 24 grandchildren; hosts of great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; hosts of nieces, nephews, other relatives, extended family and friends.
Funeral services for Mother Grethel Rentz will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 13, 2016 at New Day Spring Missionary Baptist Church, 709 NW Long St., Lake City, FL, Rev. Lantz Mills, Pastor, Rev. I.L. Williams, Officiating.