Sister Ruda Kemp Trigg was born June 27, 1940, in Tampa Florida to Hilrie Kemp Sr. and Lee Dessie Kemp Burney. Upon graduating from Milton High School in Tampa, she decided to pursue her long-cherished dream of acquiring a college education. With the blessing of her parents and a promise to them that she would remain a virtuous young woman, Ruda left home at the age of 23. She traveled to Philadelphia, where she secured a job as a Clerk Typist while living in the home of one of the saints from the Church of God in that city. When a scholarship was offered to anyone in her typing pool who wanted to further their education, Ruda eagerly accepted the challenge; subsequently, matriculating to the University of Delaware, where she eventually received her B.S. degree in Early Childhood Education.

Ruda enjoyed working in the classroom for 27 years until her retirement. She loved children. She impacted and influenced the young minds of mostly underprivileged children who had little exposure to some of the basic elements of everyday life. She took seriously her job of educating and nurturing the young, often going far beyond what was required to ensure each child understood what was taught and that they each felt a sense of belonging.

Eventually, Rudas life took an exciting turn when a young man by the name of Wendell Jackson Trigg began to make serious advances in her life. Ruda was pursued relentlessly by Wendell, as he would simply show up at the most inopportune times. He would not be deterred from his purpose to marry Ruda, as he deemed her to be the embodiment of the most perfect woman for him. Finally unable to resist his persistent romantic overtures, Ruda accepted his proposal, and they were married at the home of their pastor on January 1, 1975.

Ruda subsequently became well acquainted with and grew very fond of the Trigg family. She experienced a sweet and loving relationship with her Mother-in-Law, whom she left her job to care for during an extended illness. So endeared was she to the elder Mrs. Trigg that she was always referred to by her as "Precious" rather than by her name. Ruda was a devoted sister to her brother-in-law, Dr. Joseph Trigg (by whom she is preceded in death), having relieved him of the custodial care duties of his and Wendells mother for quite an extended period.

From an incredibly early age, Ruda possessed an ardent desire to serve and honor God; pursuant to this desire, she had given her heart to the Lord, as a young woman, in the pardoning of her sins. It was years later at the Church of God in Brandon, that she was spiritually nurtured and enlightened to a more complete understanding of Gods perfect will for her life, to which she humbly and sweetly submitted. She loved her Pastor and his wife; she loved her church family, and always, always spoke of being in the next Church service.

Sis. Trigg enjoyed reading. She possessed an impressive collection of "good Christian books," as she called them, and encouraged young people in the Church to read, as well. Sis. Trigg loved God. She loved to read and study His words. She was a Prayer Warrior. She had a giving heart. Whenever the opportunity to help someone in need availed itself, she would do whatever she could to help meet that need.

With declining health, it became necessary that Sis. Trigg should receive skilled nursing care; hence, she was admitted to Hawthorne Village Rehabilitation in Brandon, where she received superior care during her final days. The staff at Hawthorne consistently expressed amazement at her kind demeanor and sweet disposition, which they described as a rarity among their patients in the industry. With tears in her eyes, one staff member conveyed how she had experienced such heart-felt talks with Sis. Trigg as she administered care to her.

The nursing staff, as well as her doctor, would consistently comment about her sweet and loving attitude, a true testament and honor to the power and sweetness of the Spirit of Christ dwelling within. They were amazed, as well, by her Church family who frequently visited her, sang with her, prayed with her. Finally, on the evening of December 20, 2022 (with Brother and Sister Ellinger and Sister Rhym at her bedside) our dear Sis. Trigg departed this life, taking her flight to the realms of Glory!

She is survived by four siblings: A sister, Regina Amerson; brothers, Rev. Alton Kemp, Mr. Alan Burney, and Mr. Ronald Burney. She is preceded in death by three brothers, Mr. Hilrie Kemp, Jr., Mr. Reginald Burney, and Mr. Sammie Lee Burney.

Sis. Trigg leaves to mourn her passing her church family at the Church of God at Brandon, by whom she was dearly loved and honored as a precious Mother in Zion; including her "adopted" son and daughter, Ronald and Brenda Rhym, who diligently devoted themselves to her care and wellbeing for the past eight years.

Also mourning her passing are special friends and devoted Caregivers, Mrs. Marcelle Alexis and Sister Mayra Sandoval.

Sis. Trigg will be greatly missed by her Church family and all who loved her.

Visitation
Friday, December 30, 2022
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Aikens Funeral Home
2708 E Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Tampa, Florida 33610