Luvenia Gwendolyn Thorogood-Earl peacefully transitioned from this world into God ' s welcoming arms, o n Friday, December 14, 2018 . P reviously of Portsmouth, VA, Luvenia was born alongside her twin brother, Leondus George Thorogood, to Floyd Wilson Thorogood and Martha Washington-Thorogood, on December 17,1937.

Her parents raised their eight children in Lincolnville , a tightly knit community in Portsmouth, VA that was once a stop on the Underground Railroad. Bolstered by such a rich history, Lincolnville residents were taught the importance of education, commitment to God, and community uplift; these lessons carried Luvenia mightily throughout her eighty years of life.

Residents of Lincolnville and members of her childhood church, Zion Baptist, Luvenia ' s extended family encouraged young people to pursue their education. She attended and graduated from I.C. Norcom High School and later attended Tidewater Community College for several years. As a young mother, she balanced marriage, raising children, attending school and working.

During those busy years, she was also an active member of Zion Baptist Church where she sang in several choirs. Years later, she was honored to serve as a deaconess there for over 20 years. She also took time to nurture lasting relationships with several, local churches that provided additional " spiritual food " and social engagement. Her commitment to sharing God ' s love and a desire to be connected to the overall " body of Christ " led her to fellowship with family, friends, and other ministries throughout the area.

Luvenia ' s storied life demonstrated an unwavering, unshakeable faith, and she shared that faith with all she encountered. While she chose to never take on the role of " minister, " she ministered to those who met her, in numerous ways. For example, she often gifted people a single mustard seed, reminding them: " If [they] have faith as a grain of mustard seed, " they could move mountains and conquer the greatest of obstacles (Matthew 17:20). She also financially supported several organizations and ministries that were making a positive impact on the world.

While serving God, Luvenia also served the citizens of Portsmouth,VA, working twenty-eight years as a Portsmouth Public School teacher ' s assistant. The children of Portsmouth brought her much joy, as she taught them academically and spiritually. Modeling compassion, kindness, and mercy, she was a walking testament to God ' s love and grace.

Unbeknownst to many, Luvenia loved to watch westerns, like Bonanza, every Saturday. Moreover, she was a faithful supporter of PBS television; her favorite series is one of their programs, Downton Abbey. She was also a visual artist and a voracious reader of literature. Luvenia will be remembered for her elegance, infectious smile, kind heart, uplifting and impromptu sermonettes, commitment to God, and so much more. She shall forever remain in our hearts.