"Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her."
Proverbs 31:28
With hearts filled with gratitude for a life well lived, we celebrate the life and legacy of Mrs.
Bennie Ruth Rhinehart Harp, who peacefully departed this life on June 3, 2026, surrounded by
the love of family and friends whose unwavering support, cherished memories, and strong
spiritual bonds brought her comfort and joy throughout her final days.
Born on July 22, 1926, in Saluda, South Carolina, Bennie Ruth was the beloved sixth child of
the late Adam Alonzo Rhinehart, Sr. and Charlotte Rolland Rhinehart. She was raised in a
loving, hardworking, and God-fearing family that instilled in her the values of faith, humility,
respect, perseverance, and service. Growing up in Saluda, she learned the importance of family,
community, and trusting God through every season of life. These principles became the
foundation upon which she built her own family and ministry.
In 1942, Bennie Ruth united in holy matrimony with the love of her life, Mr. Johnnie Harp.
Their marriage was a beautiful testament to love, commitment, faithfulness, and devotion,
spanning more than eighty-five years. Together, they relocated to Columbia, South Carolina,
where they established a loving home and built a life centered on faith and family. Through his
skilled craftsmanship and determination, Johnnie built a home that provided security, comfort,
and stability for his wife and children. Bennie Ruth lovingly nurtured that home, creating an
atmosphere filled with warmth, respect, and unwavering love.
As a devoted wife, Bennie Ruth faithfully supported and cared for her husband throughout their
many years together. Their marriage reflected mutual respect, enduring partnership, and a shared
commitment to God. She stood beside him through life's joys and challenges, demonstrating the
true meaning of love and devotion.
Bennie Ruth was also a loving and dedicated mother. Alongside her husband, she raised two
respectful and accomplished children, Reverend Johnnie "Buster" Harp, Jr. and Ms.
Gwendolyn Harp Jones. The Harp household was a home that honored God. Bennie Ruth and
Johnnie taught their children the importance of attending church, believing in God's promises,
living with integrity, and pursuing education. Their home was grounded in Christian values,
where faith was not merely spoken but lived daily through prayer, worship, service, and love.

A woman of deep faith, Bennie Ruth served as a strong spiritual leader within her church and
community. She possessed a remarkable gift for singing the old spiritual hymns that stirred
hearts, uplifted souls, and brought congregations together in worship. Her powerful voice and
heartfelt praise often moved church members to rejoice and reflect on God's goodness.
Her dedication to ministry extended far beyond the walls of her local church. Bennie Ruth
traveled to churches near and far, participating in singing services, revivals, fellowship
gatherings, and "Big Meetings," where she shared her love for God through song and testimony.
She encouraged others to trust God wholeheartedly and demonstrated through her own life what
it meant to walk faithfully with Christ. Her love for God guided every aspect of her life, and her
unwavering faith became an inspiration to all who knew her.
On July 22, 2018, Pine Pleasant C.M.E. Church honored Mrs. Bennie Ruth Harp for seventy-
five years of dedicated and faithful service. This special recognition reflected her unwavering
commitment to the ministry, her love for God's people, and her lifelong dedication to serving the
church with humility and grace.
Her love for God extended beyond the church sanctuary. For thirty-five years, she faithfully
served at Craft Farrow State Hospital, where she provided devotion, spiritual encouragement,
compassion, and comfort to residents and staff alike. Through prayer, scripture, song, and
genuine care, she became a source of strength and inspiration to many.
Even in her later years, Bennie Ruth continued ministering to others. She maintained a close
relationship with friends at Zion Canaan Baptist Church, where she regularly participated in
the Zumba Exercise Program well into her early nineties. Through fellowship, encouragement,
and her joyful spirit, she continued spreading the love and joy of Jesus Christ to everyone she
encountered.
Mrs. Harp was the true embodiment of devotion—a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-
grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her life was a shining example of
grace, love, humility, wisdom, and godly character. As the glue of the family, she touched
countless lives through her kindness, generosity, family reunions, Christmas dinners, family bus
trips, encouraging spirit, and steadfast faith. She possessed a unique ability to bring people
together, creating cherished memories and strengthening family bonds across generations. Her
gentle presence and compassionate heart made everyone feel welcomed, valued, and loved.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Adam Alonzo Rhinehart, Sr. and Charlotte Rolland
Rhinehart; her beloved son, Reverend Johnnie "Buster" Harp, Jr.; sisters Evelyn Coleman,
Ida Mae McGraw, and Jessie Chapman; brothers Willie Rhinehart, Sammie Rhinehart,
Clarence Rhinehart, John Ray Rhinehart, James Rhinehart, and Adam Rhinehart; along
with numerous cherished family members and loved ones who welcomed her into eternal rest.
Cherishing her precious memory and carrying forward her legacy of faith and love are her
devoted husband of eighty-five years, Mr. Johnnie Harp, who faithfully stood by her side
through every season of life; her loving daughter, Ms. Gwendolyn Harp Jones; her sisters, Mrs.
Dorothy Patterson of Columbia, SC and Mrs. Lillie Thelma Rauch of Pennsylvania; her

daughter-in-law, Mrs. Bobbie Harp; her sisters-in-law, Mrs. Eve Rhinehart  three cherished
grandchildren Demetrius, Devona, and Daerell; a number of treasured great-grandchildren and
great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family members,
loving relatives, and dear friends.
Though her physical presence will be deeply missed, the legacy of Mrs. Bennie Ruth Rhinehart
Harp will continue to live on in the lives she touched, the family she nurtured, the faith she
shared, and the songs of praise she sang so beautifully. Her life stands as a testimony that a heart
devoted to God leaves an everlasting impact on generations to come.
Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will
make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord
— Matthew 25:23

Forever Loved, Forever Remembered, Forever in Our Hearts.