Luerena Williams, a longtime member of the AME Church, passed away on May 20 at the age of 92.
Her long life was highlighted by her 20 years of faithful service as a missionary at Brookins (now Brookins-Kirkland) Community AME Church and 21 years as a stewardess and deaconess at Second AME Church, both in Los Angeles. She also served many years as president of Second AME’s Golden Glory Senior Club.
Her homegoing service was held May 26. The Rev. Dr. Edna Stafford, associate minister at Second, delivered the eulogy.
A native of Texas, Luerena was born on March 11, 1925 to Jeff and Lorene (Washington) Williams. After completing high school, she attended nursing school in Chicago, Illinois. Luerena later relocated to Los Angeles where she was employed by Veteran’s Administration Hospital, a position she held until her retirement.
Without children of her own, Luerena showered love and affection upon her family, especially her nieces and nephews. According to her niece, Mary Overton, “Auntie never forgot any birthdays or holidays and she was always available anytime help was needed. We knew that Auntie loved God and she loved us.”
Luerena was a community advocate as well and headed up her West Adams area block club. Her neighbor, David E. Fossett, recalled, “Mrs. Williams showed by her actions that she really cared about our community. She worked with the city departments to help keep our streets clean and safe and she even she watched out for my house and my cat, Blue, when I traveled. I think many of my neighbors will agree that she will be missed.”
