Audrey Fontaine

Superior Mother Audrey Rebekah Fontaine was born on January 2, 1922 in Chester, Pennsylvania to the late Elder Isaac Henry Fontaine, Sr. and Mother Lula Mary Harrison Ballard Fontaine. She peacefully gave up the Ghost on February 21, 2013 at Autumn Health Care in Coshocton, Ohio.

As a very young child, in July 1926, Mother Rebekah became a member of the Supreme Council of the House of Jacob, in Westover, Maryland with her mother and two of her siblings, Phyllis and Hilliard. At that time, Mother Lula was with child, Isaac, Jr. (Advanced Pr. Elder Isaac J. H. Fontaine, Jr.)

As Mother Rebekah grew in the church, she found great joy in devoting her life to the work of the Lord. In February, 1937 her mother, saw her devotion to the church and she allowed Mother Rebekah to be used in the missionary field for the Lord under the reign of Father W. Israel., J.I.S. In her works as a missionary, she was blessed to travel to several churches throughout the coast of Israel to do many works of the Lord, including conducting revivals. Many members united during some of those missionary tours.

Mother was blessed to be elevated as follows: she was licensed to the ministry July 1936 in Newark, New Jersey; consecrated to the Motherhood August 1938 in Loretta, Maryland; ordained to the Ministry August 13, 1939, in Loretta, Maryland; elevated to Senior Motherhood August 10, 1952 in Bethlehem Township, Ohio; elevated to Advanced Senior Motherhood October 16, 1955 in Bethlehem Township, Ohio and elevated to a Superior Mother August 6, 1965 in Bethlehem Township, Ohio.

Mother Rebekah graduated from the Supreme Council of the House of Jacob first Bible School Class on October 26, 1958 as the class Valedictorian. She taught others the great importance of attending both Bible School and Sunday School classes. Because of her interest in the youth of the church, she coordinated many of the first Israel’s Day Programs.

Superior Mother Rebekah labored diligently for the Leaders of this Great church. She worked as the Personal Secretary to Father W. Israel, J.I.S. for many years until His demise in 1972. When Father W. B. Israel, S.O.T. formed the Board of Directors, Mother Rebekah held the office of Secretary. She held this position for many years and continued to be employed as the Executive National Secretary Treasurer of the church. On January 1, 1980, our beloved Father and Leader, Father J. Daniel Israel, J.O.G., honored Superior Mother A. Rebekah Fontaine by presenting her with a beautiful maroon stole with white fringe. Superior Mother Rebekah continued in this capacity until her retirement on September 17, 2012.

Superior Mother Rebekah will long be remembered as a lady in dress and in deeds. She enjoyed being in the company of the saints of God and in the company of her family. She was always happy to help those in need and she counted it a great blessing to be able to hand you a beautifully wrapped gift or just a thoughtful card.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Elder Isaac H. Fontaine, Sr. and Mother Lula M. Fontaine; her Stepmother, Sr. Mother Florence Fontaine; three brothers, Advanced Pr. Elder Isaac H. Fontaine, Jr.; Mr. Thomas T. Fontaine; Mr. Hilliard E. Fontaine; and five sisters, Sister Ursula Hammond; Ms. Lula Christine Fontaine; Ms. Mary Ellen Brown; Ms. Phyllis Bischoff; and Ms. Helen E. Fontaine.

Superior Mother Audrey Rebekah Fontaine leaves to celebrate the life that she lived, her sister-in-law, Superior Mother E. Lydia Fontaine (Advanced Pr. Elder Isaac J. H. Fontaine, Jr.), of Sacramento, CA; two brothers, Mr. Levi I. Fontaine of San Mateo, CA and Mr. Joseph H. Fontaine of Palm Coast, Florida (Rev. Dr. Fran Manning-Fontaine); a sister, Ms. Anna M. Fontaine, of Princess Anne, Maryland; eight Godchildren and a host of Nieces, Nephews, Great Godchildren; Great Nieces and Great Nephews; devoted friends; three Godsisters and co-workers in the Gospel.

The family of Superior Mother A. Rebekah Fontaine extends sincere thanks for all the expressions of condolence.

We also thank the staff of Autumn Health Care and Coshocton Hospice for the care they provided.