Ardise L. Rawlins' Obituary
Ardise Lucretia Rawlins —“Creacy” to family and friends—was born in Sterling, Kansas to parents Leona and Benjamin Rawlins. Ardise was the eighth child among the five daughters and eight sons that comprised the Rawlins clan. Nicknamed “Mouse” as a baby by her dad, she stood at five feet even. However, Ardise’s diminutive stature belied the fierce dynamo beneath her quiet demeanor.After graduating from Sterling High School, Ardise set her sights beyond her hometown where she initially made a living cleaning houses. After giving birth to beloved son Martin Eugene Rawlins, she struck out for San Diego in 1948. Moving in with sister Dimple Santos, who had earlier relocated to the city, Ardise secured a job at General Dynamics.At a time when single motherhood was frowned upon and women were relegated to the business sidelines, Ardise defied convention. She moved up the ranks from assembly line worker to supervisor of General Dynamic’s electronics department during her 30-year tenure. At the same time, she was a devoted mother to Martin, a Vietnam veteran and one of the first black firemen in San Diego, as well as a role model for a contingent of nieces and nephews.A devoted member of Sterling’s Grant Chapel A.M.E. while growing up, Ardise continued to foster her natural talent for giving back when she joined San Diego’s Bethel A.M.E. Church. It was here that Ardise acted on her lifelong passion for missionary and lay work. She was a founding board member of Richard’s Place, Bethel’s residential program for HIV/AIDS sufferers, and traveled to Jamaica and South Africa in her ‘80s to minister to Christians there.In addition to serving as president of the local missionary society and the Southern California Missionary Society, Ardise held posts as Bethel’s Sunday School Superintendent, director of the Young People’s Department, Director of Lay Activities for eight years and also taught new member classes. Along the way, Ardise received various accolades, the most prestigious of which is the royal blue sash accorded an exclusive circle of lifetime missionary members with 25 years of active continuous service.Accolades aside, Ardise enjoyed organizing the large Rawlins family reunions held around the country. Her organization of these and accompanying activities sparked the affectionate nickname “The Captain General.” The family’s fashionista as well, Ardise liked to read the newspaper and talk politics and sports. Whether it was attending the horse races in Del Mar, watching Tiger Woods play at Torrey Pines, taking a road trip to New York or pursuing an unwavering commitment to church and community service, Ardise’s inquisitive, game-for-anything nature constantly fed her “Energizer Bunny” spirit.Preceded in death by son Martin and 10 of her siblings, Ardise is survived by two brothers: Winston Rawlins of Austin, Texas and Paul Rawlins of Hutchinson, Kansas. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews and beloved friends.Please click on SERVICE DETAILS to learn about the scheduled Services for Ms. Ardise Rawlins.
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