Obituary of Paula A. Hargrove

Paula Anne Hargrove was born to Roland and Ada Dawson on May 30, 1949 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was educated in the Philadelphia school system. She graduated from West Philadelphia High School. She accepted Jesus Christ at the age of 21 and has been a servant in the ministry ever since. She met the love of her life Robert F. Hargrove, Sr. at Metropolitan Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Shortly, thereafter they married and together built a life of love, service, and sacrifice to Christ’s work. They had 5 children, which were raised to trust and love the Lord Jesus Christ. Paula believed in the value of advanced education and instilled this in her children. She graduated from Trenton State College with a Bachelor of Education Degree in 1987. She became an Early Childhood Educator and Program Director. Paula was a devoted daughter, wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Sis. Paula Hargrove embodied all the characteristics of a virtuous woman. She led her husband to Christ early in their marriage. As a laborer for Jesus Christ, she co-founded Christ Care Unit Missionary Baptist Church and Cathedral (CCUMBC) in Sicklerville, NJ with her husband. The ministry began in their home in 1981 with just 11 members. She selflessly led over 1,500 parishioners along with her husband the Most Reverend Bishop Robert F. Hargrove, Doctor of Ministry (D. Min) for over 38 years. In 2014, First Lady was consecrated as a Bishops wife. Sis. Paula dedicated her life’s work as the First Lady of CCUMBC; proclaiming “WE’VE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH”! She organized the first CCUMBC choir, fitness exercise group, lead the first women’s ministry, and served on countless ministries along with her husband. Paula Hargrove's true gift was the gift of "Helps", which allowed her to direct members of the kitchen committee and missionary ministry at CCUMBC. In 2000, she established the CCUMBC Daycare where she was a teacher and Director until her retirement in 2013. She was a member of the Delaware Valley First Lady ministry community organization for the betterment of all people. In her community she organized voter registration drives, community soup and dinner missions, and philanthropy work for the United Negro College Fund. Sis. Paula was a gifted decorator and entrepreneur. She started a business called Paula Hargrove Designs (P.H.D.) LLC. Truly a talented interior decorator with a wonderful eye for coordinating and matching color, patterns, fabrics, and décor. First Lady Paula Hargrove was a generous soul. Her gifts shined through in the life that she lived. She let her light shine, so that one could not only see it, but feel it also. She was a special person. Even strangers revered her with what we called her “daily compliment”. She was full of grace, faith, class, strength, style, and poise; the epidemy of a sophisticated lady. She was an encouragement to many with her quick wit, honesty, good advice, and giving heart. First Lady was adored, loved, admired, and cherished by her family and friends. A true example of a “class act”. Simply Amazing! First Lady Paula Hargrove’s favorite scripture was John 1:29, paraphrased, “Behold the lamb of God who comes to take away the sin of the world”. Sis. Paula leaves to cherish her beautiful legacy: mother- Ada Dawson-Allen, loving husband- Bishop Robert F. Hargrove Sr. D.Min., sons- R. Fulton Hargrove, Jr. ThD. (Shelia) of Galloway, NJ, Jeffrie Hargrove, Sr. (Marcia) of Dacula, GA, daughters -Kim Hargrove-Brew of Philadelphia, PA, Karen Hargrove-Templeton (Nathan Sr.) of Waldorf, MD, Dr. Klisa Hargrove-Loper (Arturo) of Williamstown, NJ. Two sisters- Ronay Roberts (John) and Karen Jackson both of Philadelphia, PA. One Aunt- Lilian Ray of Philadelphia., PA. Fifteen Grandchildren: Anthony, Ivory, Robert III (Carol) Michala, Jeffrie Jr., Jesse, Cameron, June, Nateia, Josiah, Jhanna, Nathan Jr., Branden (Bre), Michal, and Madison. Eight great-grandchildren, and one “adopted” sister Pastor Idella M. Fullwood (Bishop Varnie, Sr.), and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, God children, extended family, church family, and friends. To God Be the Glory for the great things He has done. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 2 Timothy 4:7 A virtual Celebration of her Life and Legacy will be held on Saturday May 23, 2020 at 10:45am via live stream on ccumbcmedia YouTube channel and Facebook live. The web links can be found on the church website: christcareunitmbc.org