Rosalena Loretta Wortham

Life Reflection

Rosalena Loretta Tyler Wortham was born in Clayton, Missouri on June 18, 1934. She was the eldest of three daughters born to the union of Walter Jackson & Mamie Lee (née Williams) Tyler. Her parents and sister Alice preceded her to eternity. On May 27th, 2024, at 89 years old, Rosalena transitioned to eternal peace.

Lena, as she was affectionately called, began her education when Missouri schools were segregated. She attended Attucks Elementary School, a one-room schoolhouse in Clayton. In 1949, at age sixteen, she graduated from Douglas High School in Webster Groves, at the top of her class. Douglas was the only accredited public high school for African Americans in St. Louis County until the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case, Brown v. Board of Education. Lena was often called upon to speak at events about her experiences as an African American living and attending school in Clayton.

Lena accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized at New Hope Baptist Church in Brentwood. She was a faithful member of the Church of the Living God Community Church where she served as the Superintendent of Sunday School, Church Secretary, Financial Assistant, Sunday School Teacher, and Vacation Bible School teacher during her decades of membership.

Lena met the love of her life, John Grover Wortham, and the two were united in holy matrimony on October 22, 1953, at New Hope Baptist Church. To this union, they welcomed Paul Tyler Wortham

The role Lena loved best was that of "Nana". She adored and doted on her three grandchildren (Austin, Agatha, and Alexander).

Lena and John's home on West Ranken was THE place to be. They regularly hosted Sunday dinners, Superbowl parties, and weekend get-togethers. They welcomed family, friends, and neighbors with open arms. Lena knew everyone's favorite dish and would make sure to have that on hand.

Together, Lena and John owned the Standard Service Station at Hanley Road and Dale Avenue which became a thriving business and the heartbeat of the community. Lena served as the business manager and accountant while John operated the service end of the business.

After retiring from the service station, Lena began her second career with the Maplewood-Richmond Heights School District where she was instrumental in the Parents as Teachers program in Missouri. She taught the importance of reading and educational play activities.

Lena decided to try a third career and enrolled at Forest Park Community College to earn an associate degree in Mortuary Science. She became a Licensed Funeral Director in 1990 at 'the age of fifty-six. She served grieving families as they lay their loved ones to rest with Williams-James Mortuary from 1997 until her retirement in December 2022.

In addition to being the family matriarch, Lena was also the family historian and photographer. She maintained dozens of scrapbooks, documenting the lives of family and friends. She loved to show off her "treasures" as she would call her family photos.

Lena cherished her lifelong friendships and was involved in many social clubs and activities. She was an active member of the Medallion Social Club, Bunker Hill Club, and the 4/9th Club of Douglass High School Class of 1949 just to name a few.

Lena's memory will be cherished by her loving husband of 70 years, John Grover Wortham; son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Rhonda Wortham; grandchildren Austin, Agatha, and Alexander; sister Barbara Parran; nieces Cheryl (David) Scurry, Diana Banks, Carolyn Parran, Holly (Steve) Cousins, Heidi Gaikins, Lisa (Kevin) Glover; nephews Holland (Ramona) Parran, Don (Elizabeth) Gaikins, Jr; a host of great-nieces and nephews; cousin Alice Marie Wright; dear friends Marylynn (George) Sims, Ruby Gaskin, The James Family, Christella Benson, Edna Johnson, Elnora Woods of Kansas City, Douglass High School Class of 1949, and her beloved church family.