Renee Dews

Renee Dews, also known as Renee Jackson, of Groveport, Ohio transitioned to heaven on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the age of 73. She was born in Bellaire, Ohio on December 18, 1950, to the late Nathaniel and Ollie Speights.

Pastor Renee accepted the Lord as her personal Savior and soon became an ambassador for Christ. She was a faithful member of the Power of Prayer Church Ministries where she served diligently. Over the years she was faithful to the Lord, His church and her many assignments. As a member of the leadership team, she was ordained as Culinary Pastor. She provided food and prepared meals for many in the community through the food pantry, the Feeding Program, senior breakfasts, Pastors’ Meeting luncheons, Friends of the Homeless meals, Jericho’s Light House meals, New Years Day dinners, repast meals, weddings, cookouts, outreach events, catering, etc.  Every meal was prepared and served with love, joy and the spirit of excellence. In addition to her culinary pastoral duties, she served as minister, head usher, teacher for the youth Bible study, member of the Golden Girls dance team, outreach ministry coordinator, wedding planner, mentor, advisor, encourager and confidant to many. She always showed the love of the Lord.

She began her work in the food service industry over 50 years ago at the historic Neil House in downtown Columbus, which was located directly across the street from the State House. It was here she began honing her skills as a great chef, preparing meals for governors, congressmen, presidents, dignitaries, celebrities and many others.  She was also featured in an WOSU special on local “down home” cooks. She taught her children, many of her grandchildren and her siblings the joy of cooking.

She was employed at Columbus City Schools, Food Service Department for the last 34 years. In her position as Food Service Manager at Fort Hayes, the Lord gave her the opportunity to interact positively with staff and students always with kindness, professionalism and love, she wanted to make sure all her “kids” were fed. She also served as Union President for Local 143, working continually for the advancement of workers.

She graduated from Powhatan High School in Powhatan Point, Ohio. She attended Columbus State Community College and holds an Associate Degree and a Bachelor’s Degree from Nation to Nation Christian University.  She enjoyed watching TV game shows, soap operas and TV reality shows. She loved her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, family and friends and
always went above and beyond for them. She would continuously pray for the salvation and healing of family, friends, relatives, co-workers or anyone who asked for prayer.  She talked to the Lord about anything and everything.

She was preceded in death by parents Ollie and Nathaniel Speights; Brother, Raymond Jones-Speights; Niece, Martisa Palmer and Sister, Bishop Colette Jones.

She leaves to cherish her memory: loving husband of 22 years, Vincent Dews; daughter, Rhonda Harlin; sons Ronald Coleman, Doc Lee (Karina) Jackson, Christopher (Jackie) Coleman all of Columbus, Ohio; 26 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Brothers: Oscar (Grace) Speight, Detroit Michigan; Nathaniel Speights, Washington DC; Richard Speights, Martins Ferry, Ohio; George Speights, Columbus, Ohio and Joseph (Ashley) Speights, Des Moines, Iowa. Sisters: Mary Speights; Sylvia Jean Jackson; Linda Berhane; Kathy (Olawale) Okeyinka; Brigette Ogunniran; Jan Martin; and Jodi Sealey. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping HIS promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, HE is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

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