On January 10, 2024, God in his infinite wisdom ordained for Mother Lena Mae Werts to receive her crown of glory and transcended the boundaries of mortality and embraced the realm of the immortal. Therefore, let it be so documented in the registry of the righteous that in the life of this great Woman of God, destiny was fulfilled, and divine purpose was accomplished.
Mother Lena Mae Werts, affectionately known as “Sistah Oak Grove Baptist Church”, was born
on January 15, 1936 in Benson, North Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Cellis Jenkins & Pearl Williams. She grew up in North Carolina until the age of 15 when she came to live with her Aunt Cora in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She received her childhood education in Benson, North Carolina and finished her education in the City of Philadelphia.
Mother Lena Werts was a faithful member of Oak Grove Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for 58 years and served in many capacities. She was the first female Trustee Board Member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. This was a great honor; however, Mother Lena’s greatest love was ushering on the #2 Usher Board to which she poured her heart and soul into taking pleasure being a “Doorkeeper in the House of God” (Psalm 84:10). Because of her obedience and dedication to the Lord, she was chosen to serve as: President of #2 Usher’s Board, President of the Gospel Chorus, Women’s Department, and the Hospitality Committee. She was known as the “fundraising queen” and coordinated and facilitated many fundraisers to help burn the church’s mortgage. She was entrusted with the keys to the church, and she would open and close the church every week. Mother Werts was a Godly woman who loved the Lord. Her life was an example of Ephesians 4:32, 'And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.'
Mother Lena persevered through the good times and the rough times leaning and trusting on the Lord. She left Pennsylvania in 2016 and moved to Rhode Island to live with her beloved daughter, Sis. Brenda Werts-Moore. While in Rhode Island, Mother Werts received her watch care and covering at Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries. She was welcomed with opened arms by Apostle Eric Perry, Pastor Nancy Perry, & the Shiloh Gospel Temple church family where she served as a Church Mother of Zion.
She loved her Shiloh Gospel Temple Church family, and they ate Sunday dinner together every week. We have great memories of Mother Lena making us laugh with some of the things she would say and do.
Mother Lena Mae Werts
January 15, 1936 – January 10, 2024
“I have fought a good fight, finished the race, and kept the Faith.”
Mother Lena loved to sing and clap her hands in church. When Mother Werts was recovering in rehab and at home, the saints from Shiloh visited her and prayed & sang some of her favorite songs such as, “We’ve Come This Far By Faith” and “Come on in the Room”.
Mother Lena loved to travel and do crossword Puzzles. She was a Philadelphia Eagles Fan and one of her nephews also played for the Eagles. She was the widow of late Willie Werts. To this union, 5 children were born. She is remembered as being a hard worker who taught her children how to be independent and to always to have your own.
Mother Lena leaves to cherish her memories and anticipate a glorious reunion according to
I Thessalonians 4:16-17 her 2 sons: Larry Werts from Providence, Rhode Island and Lorenzo Werts from South Carolina; 3 daughters: Joyce Smith of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Brenda Werts-Moore of Woonsocket, Rhode Island; and Theresa Wigginton of Tyler, Florida. She was a grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother!!! Mother Lena leaves behinds a host of nieces and nephews to honor and cherish her legacy.
Mother Lena was the matriarch and eldest of 14 siblings!! Her lessons, love, and legacy are cherished by her 6 siblings who remain: Brothers: Sellers Jenkins and Izel Jenkins both of Wilson, North Carolina and Frank El of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Sisters: Cora Randle of San Antonio, Texas; Gladys Kendrick of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Cassandra Rice of Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Apostle John writes about heaven and says, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” Revelation 21:4. Even though Mother Werts will be sorely missed, we know that this world can never compare to the happiness in heaven. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords has welcomed her with open arms and has given her the “keys” to her heavenly mansion. Rest in eternal peace, Mother Lena Mae Werts, for your light will forever shine brightly in our hearts, and may you hear the glorious sound from heaven as God has proclaimed, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of the Lord.”
OAK GROVE
BAPTIST CHURCH
Family and friends are invited to a viewing on Friday, January 26, 2024: 4pm-7pm at
J. F. Skeffington Funeral Home and Cremations, 925 Chalkstone Avenue, Providence, RI 02908
HOMEGOING CELEBRATION:
Saturday, January 27, 2024: 9am-11am
Elmwood Avenue Church of God, 297 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI 02907
For online condolences kindly visit: Skeffingtonfuneralhome.com
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