Lena McRae

Every great story starts with a legendary figure, and ours was undeniably our Queen: Lena, the heart and soul of the McRae Family. Lena’s legacy began with a foundation of deep, abiding faith and an unshakeable work ethic, lessons passed down by her dedicated and hardworking parents: Evelyn Lowery and Pearl Timothy (PT) Lowery. She was born on an autumn day, October 6, 1926, in the Shuler/El Dorado area, Arkansas. And though the setting was humble, anyone who knew Lena would tell you that the world had better take notice; a Queen had arrived.

Being the first born of ten children, Lena became responsible at an early age. She was caring, supportive and encouraging to all of her younger siblings throughout their lives. She had six brothers and three sisters: Nathaniel, Miller John (MJ), Robert (Bob), Royaline, Billie, Faye, Thomas, Bobby and Donnie.

This Queen was destined for a King's devotion. Oree and Lena’s epic love story began in a classic setting: high school. Their early days included adventurous stops in the bustling cities of Chicago and Detroit, where they built their initial foundation. Their story took root and flourished in San Francisco, California and ultimately, Union City, California where they lived another 32 years. Their romance wasn't a fleeting chapter, but an epic, seventy-nine-and-a-half-year volume of shared laughter, quiet understanding, and unwavering commitment.

Lena had plans to become a nurse, but instead she became business partners with her husband Oree in the dry cleaning business, which lasted for forty-five years. At Day & Night Cleaners, she wasn't just the seamstress and clerk, but also the business manager. The customers came for the crisp collars, but they stayed for her friendly counsel and signature wit, valuing her heart and wisdom. 

Lena and Oree were blessed with a bustling house, welcoming six children into their lives: Linda, Oree (O. G), Theresa Elaine, Oranda, Carol and Andre. She would say, “I love all of my children the same.” But she would also confess that navigating six different personalities was a lot of work. Her greatest joy was simply watching her children, and later grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow, thrive, and become successful. Her best advice to young parents: “Even if you can afford to give your child everything, don’t.”

The spiritual anchor of her family, Lena was the “proverbial woman”, a standard-bearer who taught her family God’s ways through her strength, integrity and compassion. When her children were young, she didn't just suggest the path of faith; she paved it with Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and encouragement to sing in the church choir at Macedonia Baptist Church. She was a strong believer in God’s Word and was willing to share with those who would listen.

This spiritual foundation deepened when Lena and Oree later joined St. Paul’s Tabernacle Baptist Church in San Francisco. There, she served as a Deaconess, sang in the choir, and helmed the Mission Department, collecting funds every fifth Sunday. She truly believed in the power of prayer and would pray for those in need. If she knew you were troubled, her counsel was swift and to the point: “Pray, pray, pray.”

Lena understood the profound joy of taking care of her family, especially when it came to cooking for Oree. He especially loved her legendary homemade biscuits. He would often proudly declare: "There's no other ninety-year-old woman that can cook like Lena!” Her church members would also testify that her legendary spaghetti she prepared for church programs was unequivocally "out of this world." It was a culinary secret she guarded with a wink and a promise; when one friend finally asked for the recipe, Lena simply declared, "Oh, you want some? I'll make it for you."

Her downtime was just as essential to her spirit, finding peace simply sitting in the backyard, enjoying the California sun. She was an avid reader and loved word games. She maintained a lifelong loyalty to the one sport she played in high school: basketball, which of course meant that her heart, and her loudest cheers, belonged to the Golden State Warriors. She would turn the tv on and say “It's time to watch my boys."

It is impossible to summarize a life so fully lived into a single word, but one that fits would be: Matriarch. Lena was a wonderful Mother who sacrificed and loved without measure. Her boundless capacity for care meant she played a pivotal role in raising many of the next generation. Many of her happiest days were spent on the sidelines of the activities of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, watching them play and thrive. Her reward was their enduring adoration, along with titles of love and esteem: “Mother,” "Grandmother," and "Nana." (Oree would joke: “How about ‘Granny?!’” “NO!” she said. And that was that.)

Our Queen, Lena, was a modest, dignified lady, full of the wisdom that only a life of faith and experience could grant. She was also famously funny, witty, and never one to shy away from telling someone the unvarnished truth. An awesome Mother, Grandmother, and Nana, she will be profoundly missed. But this beautiful story comes full circle, as she is back in the arms of the love of her life: Oree McRae.

“I sing because I love the Lord.”

-Lena

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