Celebration of Life Program for Luvenia C. Batts

Musical Prelude.......................................................................................Luther Chambers Opening Selection Scripture Reading.................................................................................................Minister Old Testament & New Testament Prayer of Comfort.................................................................................................Minister Musical Selection Reflections.....................................................................................................Hattie Harris Shirley Brown Chakeyla Dodson Lajeesa Teague Andrew Council Acknowledgments...............................................................................Shanita Eure Lewis Silent Reading of the Obituary Photo Montage Eulogy........................................................................................Rev. Dr. Dwight Riddick Recessional...............................................................................Clergy, Family, and Friends

Hampton Memorial Gardens 155 Butler Farm Road Hampton, VA 23666

On Friday, January 7, 2022 our beloved angel, Luvenia C. Batts, gained her wings. Luvenia was born to the late Frank Bryant, Sr. and Nellie G. Harris on May 6, 1937. She was reared in Newport News, VA where she also received her education. Luvenia married the love of her life, James Batts, they were married for 57 loving years. To this union they had two children, a son, the late Reginald Council and daughter, Cynthia Teague.

Luvenia wholeheartedly believed in getting an education. She was a graduate of Key Business College and Norfolk State University. She dedicated her life to educating young people. She was a substitute teacher for the Hampton City Schools and was a teacher in the Newport News Public School System. After 40 years of service combined she retired and continued to serve her community around her.

Luvenia loved the Lord and started her Christian journey at a young age. She was a faithful and active member of Gethsemane Baptist Church. She was a member of the M.R. Williams Missionary Ministry, Senior Ministry, Craft Ministry, a Greeter and an all around servant.

She believed in studying the Word of God and attending Sunday School and Bible Study on a regular basis. Her commitment to the church and its ministries were priorityies in her life. She encouraged so many and didn’t believe in sugar coating the truth.

Luvenia cared for her family and placed an emphasis on family togetherness. She also made it a point to introduce her family to God and the importance of having Him in their lives. She was a strong woman who was straightforward and outspoken. She believed in having a great appearance, always reminding her grandchildren to never leave the house looking any kind of way. She was proud of her image, always wearing her best to include an elaborate hat and comfortable fashion forward shoes. Her loving presence will be forever missed.

She was preceded in by her parents; son, Reginald Council; siblings, Lutrell Bryant, Ollie Mooring, Elnora Pearson, Frank Bryant and Charles Bryant.

Luvenia leaves to carry on her memories; husband, James Batts; daughter, Cynthia Teague ( Jerry); grandchildren, Chakeyla Dodson ( Johnnie), Lajeesa Teague, Andrew Council (Tati) and Leah Council; 9 Great-grand children; two sisters, Mable Coleman and Shirley Brown; dear friends, Cervera Cherry and Ruth Francis; along with a host of family members and friends.

Tony Dodson Andrew Council Isaac Ward-Payton

Johnnie Woods Jarell Woods Kenny Brown

The H.U.G. Ministry of Gethsemane Baptist Church

Don’t Cry for me Don’t cry for me now I have died, For I’m still here I’m by your side, My body’s gone but my soul’s is here, Please don’t shed another tear, I am still here I’m all around, Only my body lies in the ground.

I am the snowflake that kisses your nose, I am the frost, that nips your toes.

I am the sun ,bringing you light, I am the star, shining so bright.

I am the rain, refreshing the earth, I am the laughter, I am the mirth.

I am the bird, up in the sky, I am the cloud, that’s drifting by.

I am the thoughts, inside your head, While I’m still there, I can’t be dead.

Author unknown.

We would like to thank everyone for being with us in our time of bereavement. All of the calls, texts, cards and acts of kindness all helped us gain strength with each passing day.

Our prayer for you is for God to bless you and your family. Continue to pray for us as God mends our broken hearts. Special thanks to Chakeyla (Kee Kee), Lajeesa, Andrew, Cynthia and Jerry for all of your support and care over the years.

-The Batts Family