Church and family recall lives of Colwyn women

COLWYN » Church and family meant the world to Rolanda, Sally and Angel Rimel — just as they did to their church and family.

In celebration of the lives of the three women killed Monday in a fire in Chester County, New Life Bible Fellowship Church opened its doors — and its heart — to their many grief-stricken relatives and friends.

Between the songs and stories during an hourlong prayer vigil Wednesday night, were tears as well as smiles.

“We are a small fellowship, but they were a major force in this community,” Karla Johnson, wife of church Pastor Darren Johnson,

said just prior to the start of the informal service. “It was a blessing to have them here.”

Rolanda, 58, and her sister, Sally, 52, and Sally’s 37-year-old daughter, Angel, all longtime Colwyn residents, were visiting family in Caln Township when the tragedy occurred. They were with four other people when, according to authorities, smoking materials discarded among trash and recycling bins ignited the accidental fire, about noon.

The Rimels, who became trapped on a rear deck of the double-wide mobile home, died at the scene. The other four, including two children, were able to escape.

“To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord,” said Executive Pastor Sean Singleton, reminding that Rolanda, Sally and Angel had all accepted Jesus Christ as their savior.

“You are born once ... and then you are born again,” he said.

Angel and Rolanda, Ro for short, were longtime members of New Life, while Sally belonged to the First Baptist Church of Collingdale.

Acknowledging the women’s loved ones are now in need of comfort, he encouraged those gathered to allow the church “to be an anchor, a pillar, a place where family can rely on ... because Jesus Christ is here.”

Marion Merriweather, minister of the Praise and Worship choir, recalled Angel as their soprano.

Without her, she said, “We don’t feel complete.”

As choir members began to sing, some members of the Rimel family wrapped arms. Others wiped away tears. A few clapped along with the music, especially during the lyrics, “Thank you Jesus, for blessing me.”

Choir member Savon Taylor, 15, recalled the woman he knew as “Miss Angel.” Gifted with a “beautiful, powerful voice,” he said she could rock any joint.

“She was the happiest person I ever met in my life,” he said.

Wayne Wright spoke of Sally, the woman who trained him in the art of hugging some 20 years ago.

Ever since, he said whenever they saw each other, they would embrace.

Paula Brown, former Colwyn Borough manager, attended the service, along with Colwyn Councilman Jesse Brundage.

“First, know that we love you very much,” Brown told members of the Rimel family. She proceeded to read a poem, “A Letter from Heaven,” by Ruth Ann Mahaffey, for them, especially the young children.

“To my dearest family, some things I’d like to say. But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived OK. I’m writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above. Here, there’s no sadness. Here is just eternal love.”

Prefacing another choral selection, Merriweather told the Rimels, “You are family.”

As she spoke, she smiled. She then shared with them that the microphone she was using was the one Angel always used.

Toward the end of the service, Pastor Johnson said there are people in life who leave an indelible impression — people like Rolanda, Sally and Angel.

He went on to praise God for “the life an legacy” of these women, “women of velvet and women of steel.”

Speaking on behalf of the family, Veronica Schramm of Clifton Heights, said it was appropriate for family to gather at the church. “Their whole life was about their family and their church,” she said.