Abigail M. McDuffie, 49, life companion of Larry Felder, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, April 29, 2009, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

She entered this world as a beautiful flower chosen by God on Feb. 24, 1960, in Sumter County, to proud parents, Robert Milton McDuffie Sr. and Sarah Carolyn Brunson McDuffie. She was reared in a Christian home. At an early age, she accepted Christ as her personal Savior. She was a member of Corinth Missionary Baptist Church.

Abby, as she was affectionately called, graduated from Sumter High School, and then Morris College with a bachelor of arts degree in education. She also attended Sumter Area Technical College.

She worked various jobs including Solomon's Kitchen, Silver Spoon, and most recently, up until her health failed, as a cook for District 17 schools. She loved to cook, and her profession certainly suited her.

Abby enjoyed life with her loving family. She always had a beautiful smile and a story to share. She never met a stranger. She brought so much joy to all who knew her. We loved her, but God loves her best and decided it was time that she rest.

Abby will be sadly missed by her loving and devoted life companion, Larry Felder; her light will continue to shine through her three children, James McDuffie, Michael McDuffie and Ashley McDuffie, all of Sumter; three brothers, Willie McDuffie (Vangie) of Fayetteville, N.C., Dexter McDuffie (Terry) of El Paso, Texas, and Odell McDuffie (Loretta) of Sumter; two sisters, Betty B. Lesane of Sumter and Carrie Carolina (Nelson) of Mayesville; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Marshall L. McDuffie, Floyd "Ray" Brunson, Robert "Friday" Milton McDuffie Jr. and Hazel "Randolph" McDuffie; a niece, Stephanie Durant; and a brother-in-law, Leroy Lesane.

Funeral services: Corinth Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Barbara Lash, pastor, eulogist.

Burial: Mayesville Cemetery.