Rachel Pearson Veneklasen

Rachel Pearson Veneklasen Appling, GA-Mrs. Rachel P. Veneklasen, 81, entered into her eternal home at University Hospital, on June 9, 2015. Rachel was a lifelong resident of Columbia County, GA and was the daughter of the late John Forrest Pearson and the late Willie Percival Pearson. She was retired from the Columbia County Clerk of Court with 43 years of service. Rachel also worked 12 years with CSRA Probation Services. She was a faithful and devoted member of Sharon Baptist Church. She believed in living life to the fullest and filling those around her with joy. Her laughter and unconditional love for all she encountered made her a friend to many. Rachel had a gift for listening to others and bringing them encouragement. She had a passion for her family and she always had a great story to tell. She was a woman of strong faith, believing in the power and strength of Jesus' love and she desired to share her joy and laughter with everyone around her. Funeral services will be held at 11 o'clock, a.m., Thursday, June 11, 2015 at Sharon Baptist Church, Appling with Rev. Andy Collins officiating. Interment will follow in the Kiokee Baptist Church Cemetery. She is survived by daughter, Christie V. Popplewell (Mike); son, Clay B. Veneklasen (Stephanie); brothers, Jerry Pearson, Dud Pearson; sisters, Judy Sanderlin, Mildred Martinovich all of Appling, GA; grandchildren, Allison P. Davis (Chris), Adrienne Popplewell, Evan Popplewell, Jordan Veneklasen, Anna Veneklasen, Kaitlyne Veneklasen and Berend Veneklasen and great-grandchildren, Carson Davis and Collin Davis. In addition to her parents, Rachel was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Berend Veneklasen. In lieu of flowers, it is the family's desire that memorial contributions be made to the Sharon Baptist Church Building Fund, 6262 Cobbham Rd., Appling, GA 30802. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home. Beggs Funeral Home, 799 Cobbham Rd., Thomson, Georgia is in charge.