Luz Maria Ramos

 Luz Maria Ramos, 76, of Belmont, NC, passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at Robin Johnson House.

 Luz (who was lovingly known as Lucy) was born on June 1, 1948, in Manati, Puerto Rico, to the late Manuel and Amelia Rivera. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Ruben, Neftali, and Hector.

 Following the example of her late father, Pastor Manuel Rivera, she was a devoted and active member of Iglesia De Dios Pentecostal, M.I., Alpha Y Omega, from 1973 until she and her husband, Esdras, were called to ministry in 1981 to become Pastors of Iglesia De Dios Pentecostal, M.I. in Bay Shore, Long Island, NY, where they served for over 36 years. Her final congregation in 2018 was Iglesia De Dios Pentecostal, M.I., Vientos de Gloria, where she was spiritually fed the last years of her life. She was a licensed Missionary. With a deep love for missions, Luz traveled to many countries, including Belize, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and El Salvador, sharing her faith and spreading the love of Christ. Luz’s service to the church went beyond her mission work. She also served as the church bus driver, ensuring the youth and women of the church were able to attend services and activities. She was a NYS Chaplain. She loved Christian and classical music. Her hobbies included gardening, collecting porcelain dolls, photography, and scrapbooking capturing precious memories with her family. Luz was also talented in sewing, crocheting, and the arts in painting and drawing, and her talents remain a beautiful legacy. She also enjoyed playing Chinese checkers and shopping.

Her favorite destinations were Belize and Costa Rica, where she found peace and joy. Her favorite color was blue, and her favorite flowers were white lilies and yellow roses, symbols of purity and joy. Luz touched the hearts of everyone she met, leaving an undeniable impact on all who knew her. Her greatest joy was her family, and she dedicated her life to her loved ones. Luz Maria Ramos leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her brothers: Moises, Manuel Jr., and Israel, and sister, Noemi, her husband of almost 60 years, Esdras Ramos; her daughters, Debra Ann Perez, Annette Ramos Hernandez, Denise and husband, Robert Foley, and Kimberly and husband, Jack Chavis; her sons, Esdras Jr. and wife, Leda, and Jeffrey and wife, Rosana; her cherished grandchildren, Kailoni Vega and husband, Byron, Angel Perez Jr. and wife, Carnisha, Justin Perez and wife, Paola, Jonathan Stabilito and wife, Nelly, Jennifer Garcia and husband, Peter, Jasmine, Jessica, Edwin Jr., Jenise, Jason, Janessa, Gianni, Alissa, Katelyn, Eric, Ethan, Emma, Jaylena, and Joel; and her great-grandchildren, Byron Jr., Leilani, Bryon, Bryson, Adrianna, Camila, one on the way, Jaden, Mia, Jonah, Isaiah, Aliyah, Mariah, Josiah, and Noah.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, March 7, 2025, and from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg. The funeral service will be held from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm on Saturday, March 8, 2025, with burial to follow at Gethsemane Memorial Gardens, 1504 W. Sugar Creek Rd., Charlotte, NC 28262. The chapel service will be webcast.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is serving the family.