L. Virginia Louk WareAfter 98 years of life lived with grace, courage and humor our beloved mother, Virginia, entered eternal bliss on Sunday, August 23, 2020. She was born December 11, 1921 and raised in Mill Creek, WV to Walter Stewart Louk and Grace Killingsworth, Virginia learned that creativity, steadfastness and resilience were key to leading a fruitful and fulfilling life. Like her parents she understood that this life isn’t played on a level field; but you use what you’ve been given, you grow it and you share it. Most of all laugh a lot, sing loud, and keep the faith. Behind her bright blue eyes was an inquisitive mind. At 17, yearning to learn and experience more, she left her home and family to pursue higher education. She eventually earned her Master of Divinity degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University, and was only the third woman to do so. At Candler she excelled in homiletics and would become a sought after speaker, preacher and teacher throughout her life. After graduation, she was commissioned Deaconess of the Methodist Oklahoma Indian Mission where she fulfilled her passion of serving children, youth, and women through the ministry. While working in Oklahoma, she met Pressley Chambers Ware, a WWII Veteran and Kiowa lay pastor. Virginia and Pressley were active supporters of youth ministries and took special interest in ensuring the well-being and education of the Native American young people they served. They married in 1953 and moved to Los Angeles where Pressley got a carpentry job at the Veterans Affairs in Westwood. Within a few days of their arrival, they attended worship service at the First Methodist Church of West Los Angeles and were warmly welcomed into the fold. Together they continued as worship and youth leaders in this new setting. The church was at the heart of their family and both of their children would be received and nurtured here. When her children were grown, Virginia returned to work with children in early childhood care and at Mar Vista Elementary School as a Teacher’s Aide and After School Program Director. Virginia’s voice and hearing weakened with age; yet young and old alike sought one-on-one time with her because she knew how to pause, listen and hear with a caring, attentive heart. She listened deeply and responded with kindness and wisdom. In her presence you sensed goodness, acceptance and joy. Her secret for long life: coffee, cookies and chocolate. We imagine she’s continuing to enjoy the same. Ever the lovely lady, we see her poised above, nursing a mug of hot java, munching on warm chocolate chip cookies, dressed in her favorite shades of pinks and blues with nails freshly painted, while enjoying a chat with a friend or two. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” She is survived by her daughter and caregiver, Suanne Ware-diaz (Luis F. Diaz) of Los Angeles, CA, her son Edmund Myles Ware (Stephanie) of Lawton, OK, 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am Friday, September 4, 2020 at the Brick Church Cemetery at Huttonsville with Rev. Stella Faye Moyer officiating. Donations in Virginia’s name may be made to Meals on Wheels of West Los Angeles, P. O. Box 241576, Los Angeles, CA 90024 or OPICA, Adult Day Program, 11759 Missouri Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90025, both are caring organizations ensuring the dignity, connection and support for those who become dependent and their families. The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for L. Virginia Louk Ware.
