It was on May 29, 1931 that God saw fit to bring into this world a tiny little girl in a tiny little city called England, Arkansas. Her parents were Ulysses and Corrine Turner, and she was the oldest of 5 girls: Lucy B., Mae Doris, Artellis, and Erlene. Ulysses and Corrine gave the name of Anna Louise to their little bundle of joy. At some point in life, Anna Louise decided she didn’t like her name the way it was, so she changed it to Louise Anna. The family relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin with dreams of a better life. A better life was achieved and the family flourished.
Louise received her early education in the Milwaukee Public School System. After having graduated from 4th Street Elementary School (now Golda Meir), she proceeded and graduated from Lincoln High School. Her lifelong dream of loving and caring for people inspired her to continue her education and press toward that goal. She entered and graduated from the Milwaukee Area Technical College . That degree prepared her to take the State Board Medical Exam, which she passed, and consequently received her license to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.
She was united in holy matrimony with Oliver Strozier Bey and God blessed the two of them with four children; Jeffrey L., Brenda M., Paricia L., and Areatha G. After 7 years of marriage, Oliver’s earthly life came to an end, and Louise became a widow with four small children. But, God said she was not to be alone. He orchestrated her meeting and later being married to a gentleman named Lilton Mormon, and they lovingly reared the children together. Their’s was a loving, happy and holy marriage for 46 years until the Lord called Lilton home.
At the age of 15, Louise united and was baptized by the founder of the Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Sylvester Norton. Being a Licensed Practical Nurse was her cherished profession, her profession in the secular arena. However, God had another job for her to do in the spiritual realm. It was at Canaan that she began her Christian Education career. She started as the Sunday school secretary, and then became a Sunday school teacher, and eventually became a Sunday school superintendent. Louise recognized her spiritual calling and to that end she dedicated herself in preparation of her assigned task from God. She travelled to various cities and states attending Congresses of Christian Education, National Conventions, and December Conferences of Christian Education to take whatever courses were available and appropriate to fulfill her calling. After taking the required courses, she entered into a four year program and graduated from the Christian Education Administrative Workshop. She was also certified by the Sunday School Publishing Board (an auxiliary of the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A, Inc.) to teach a number of classes on the national level. In the process of equipping herself, she realized that the knowledge she was gaining was not just for her to keep, so she became an encourager. She discipled others and urged them to equip themselves, take classes, seek “Certificates of Progress”, and apply what they learned to their every day lives. She was a teacher, counselor, and mentor who helped many other people to aspire and achieve their Christ centered endeavors. Many lives were touched and many hearts were transformed because of Louise Mormon.
Mrs. Mormon was the Christian Education director of the Canaan Baptist Church for over 30 years. It was her responsibility to guide and direct the various ministries of the church to ensure that they functioned effectively and efficiently. Additionally, she was the New Members Class Instructor and Director of Membership Services. She also took courses in the Adult Vocational Division of the Milwaukee Area Technical College to receive her Young Child Personal Training certificate. This enable her to become the operations manager of the Canaan Day Care Center during its operation. She also attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and received her Certification in Early Childhood Education.
Her’s was a life well lived. She enjoyed teaching the Word of God, and training others in leadership roles in the church community. She loved family, helping people, traveling, cooking, and baking, especially turkey and dressing, chicken and dumplings, chocolate cake, German chocolate cake, coconut cake, banana pudding, and the all time favorite, peach cobbler (just to name a few).
She received her heavenly crown that we are sure was studded with many jewels on May 7, 2026, just 22 days shy of her 95th birthday. Plans were already underway for a party of at least 100 people (her words), where there would have to be many turkeys cooked (again, her words). But, that was not to be. God called and Louise answered His call peacefully.
She transitioned from her temporary earthly residence and entered into the fullness of eternal life. Loved ones who preceded her in death include: her parents, Ulysses and Corrine Turner; husbands, Oliver Strozier Bey and Lilton Mormon; two daughters, Brenda M. Cathren and Areatha G. Miller; her sisters, Lucy Hughes, Mae Doris Turner, Artellis Rout, and Erlene Jordan; sons-in law, Anthony B. Miller and Ellis J. Hooker; and grandson, Rashadd D. Miller.
To continue celebrating her life and recall the most precious of memories she leaves behind: two children, Jeffery L. Strozier Bey (Marrion Delores), Patricia L. Hooker of Milwaukee, WI; grandchildren, Hassan R. (Ashley) Miller of Indiana, Amani J. Miller, Jamila McLaurin, Joyce Jordan, and Andre Lloyd; great grandchildren, Rashadd J. Miller, Jaylen D. Miller, Adrianna Lloyd, Erin P. and Anthony R. Washington, Andrea Lloyd, Tay Lani J., Dupree and Royalty Miller; one brother-in-law, Prather Momon; a special friend, Edith Brown; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, extended family, and many, many friends.
