Ronald Stith

Bishop Dr. Ronald F. Stith Sr., August 17, 1946 - April 17, 2022 was a lifelong resident of Norfolk, VA. He was called home at 12:01 a.m. on Resurrection Sunday. How fitting as Ronnie began an early affiliation with the Lord, being born to Spiritual parents, the late Deacon George W Stith Sr and Missionary, the late Dorothy B Stith . Ronald was one of twelve children. Ronald began spreading God’s Word at the young age of 5 years. He was baptized in 1961. Ronald was affectionately known by his family and friends as “Ronnie”, “Stith”, and “Bishop”. Ronald was blessed with two children, a daughter, the late Inamarie Stith and a son, Ronald F Stith II. Ronald’s first work experience was with the family business, George W Stith & Sons General Contractors for 20 years, Funeral Director for 22 years and Youth Counsel Director Boston, MA.

Ronald’s attended Bowling Park Elementary, D. G. Jacox Jr high and Booker T Washington (BTW)High School. Ronald was the highlight of BTW HS Marching Band. There was no one who could outshine him tossing and twirling the “Cymbals”. The way he performed, you would have thought he was the drum major. Tyrone Nobles could attest to this, as they together performed
as rock stars.
Ronald joined the US Army, September, 1967 with the 490th Trans Co, Ft Eustis, VA and received an Honorable discharge. Ronald continued to be a soldier in God’s Army. He studied at Canterbury University-Cheshire, United Kingdom receiving a Doctorate of Theology in Divinity, a Master of Theology in Bible Study and Bachelor of Theology in Divinty. Other college and university educational acclaims includes New England Institute of Anatomy - Mortuary Services, and Norfolk State University - Business Administration. Ronald was ordained to the Ministry August 2, 1999 by the Elders Board of this Mason Memorial Church of God in Christ. Ronald’s true love of Jesus Christ and the Holy Bible directed his path in the ministry, as a result, he founded The Abbey Prayer Cathedral -Norfolk, VA. He was Founder, Bishop, Overseer and Pastor of both Norfolk and Richmond, VA., with a quorum of dedicated ministers under his direct leadership. Ronald’s purpose was to educate while winning souls to Christ. He chose as his primary responsibilities to teach Men Bible class, Student Training in the Holy Bible, Counseling in various topics: dating Family life, sexual purity, he also conducted private adult Bible Group Study, marriage counseling, and financial accountability, weekly Gospel messaging, Men Discipleship classes and more.

Ronald leaves to cherish his memory one son, Ronald F Stith, II, grandsons,Trent and Tyrese Stith of MA, one granddaughter, Trinity Rouse of MA, four sisters, Dorothy Stith of Oakland CA, Erma Morgan of San Pablo, CA, Eleanor Watson of Guttenberg, NJ, Kathy Menifee (Fredrick)of Wylie TX, one brother, Wesley Stith of Reston, VA and a host of nephews and nieces: Jaee Logan, Darin Matthews , Marcus English, Sterling Angulo, Sherry Jones, Cynde Watson, Kimberly Morgan, Loren Porter, Hamilton Perkins, Reilly Brutus, Pier Stith, Kelly Stith, cousins, family and friends. A special brother in-law Fred, and his best friend, Donald (Duck)Bullock.

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