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Submitted: 6/28/23 • Approved: 7/5/23 • Last Updated: 7/8/23 • R1490094-G1490094-S3
May 5, 1930 - Jan 13, 2015
Civil Rights activist
NAACP local President
Lorene Sendra Watson-Joshua was born on May 5, 1930 to the late Odell Sr. and Rosetta McFadden-Watson in Cato, AR. She was the oldest of nine (9) children, three sisters, Elmyra Williams, Callie Phillips, and Zelma Watson, preceded her in death. Her early education was received in the public schools of Pulaski County Special School District. She attended Philander Smith College and Velvetex Beauty College, Graduating in 1957.
Ms. Joshua was united in holy matrimony to the late Ray Earl Joshua on May 6, 1951. To this union, 11 children were born. One child, Brian Keith Joshua, preceded her in death.
In 1973, this dedicated community worker was elected president of the North Little Rock Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Mrs. Joshua remained in this position as President for over 30 years.
As an educator, she taught in the Pulaski County Special School District and the North Little Rock School District. She was a Leader of six Girl Scout Troops all in North Little Rock. Her business career led her to ownership of Joshua's Beauty Shop in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
Mrs. Joshua confessed her hope in Christ at the age of 12 and has been a lifelong member of St. Peter's Rock Baptist Church of Cato, AR. While attending St. Peter's Rock, she served as the assistant church clerk, Sunday School teacher, and a choir member until her health failed.
A lifetime member of the NAACP, Mrs. Joshua led the desegregation fight for North Little Rock School and other districts "Joshua Intervenors". Mrs. Joshua has registered thousands of voters during registration drives coinciding with the NAACP membership drives. During her tenure, Mrs. Joshua founded The North Little Rock NAACP Branch First Speech Competition; she helped sponsor the First Annual Black History Month for the branch. She has received numerous awards for various achievements and outstanding services which include; the Outstanding Leadership Award In the Civil Rights Movement from the Arkansas State Conference of Branches NAACP; The Civil Rights Service Award 1984; the 100 Women Unsung Heroes National Award, 1986; the Arkansas Regional NAACP Award for the largest membership in Arkansas the 1988; One Million Medallion for recruiting more than 1000 members;; the Hope Center Inc. Community Service Award; Brown vs the Board of Education 50 year Celebration for 30 years of service; the Modern Woodsmen's of America; the City of North Little Rock for her dedication and commitment to her community; NLR Softball Association for 25 years of dedication and loyalty as a Parent and Grandparent; the DHCDC for outstanding Services in the Community; the Arkansas National Guard Black Heritage Planning Committee; recognition from Omega Psi-Phi, Inc.; the President Choice Award 2nd place from Sertoma Club; and the SSS Enterprise Annual Silver Service Award for 30 years of Community Service. On October 7, 2004 she joined the Police and Fire Academy Training. On June 30, 2007, the 14th Street Park was renamed in her honor to Lorene Joshua Park. On February 2009, Mrs. Joshua received the President Award from the Arkansas Democrat Black Caucus.
She leaves to carry on her legacy, one (1) son, Gerald DeWayne Joshua, nine (9) daughters, Brenda Joshua-Sanders of North Carolina, Rosalind Joshua-Hudson of Dallas, TX, Rose Joshua of Chicago, IL, Lorri Joshua-Beasley (Jimmy Sr.) of Maumelle, AR., Gwendolyn Faye Joshua-Taylor (Hilton Sr.), Betty Joshua-Phillips (Kenneth), Janice Joshua-Jakes (Alfonzo), Stacy Joshua-Smith, and Leslie Joshua-Johnson (Derrick), all of North Little Rock, AR. Two brothers, Earlee Watson, Sr. and Odell Watson, Jr. of North Little Rock, AR, three (3) sisters Pearline Greer of El Paso, TX, Edna Tolliver (Donald Sr.) and Jearline Tolliver (Gene) of Detroit, MI., 14 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Family hour held at King Solomon Baptist Church, 1304 Pine Street, NLR on January 18, 2015 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Homegoing Celebration will be held at St. Peter's Rock Baptist Church, 10914 Frenchman Mountain Road, NLR at 12 Noon on January 19, 2015. Superior Funeral Service, 5017 East Broadway 501-945-9922. Trudean Long-Brown "Providing Services Your Family Deserves."
Contributed on 6/28/23 by eagle12953
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Record #: 1490094