Era Dean Lake

Published 5:13 pm Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Era Dean Lake, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan and Martha Gardner, was born Jan. 31, 1934, in Selma.

She accepted Christ at an early age and united with the Mr. Ararat Baptist Church during the administration of the Rev. A. J. Fisher. Here she was a faithful worker in the service of the Lord and served  in many auxiliaries including: member of  the Board of Trustees, Sunday school teacher, President Emeritus and founding member of the Nurses’ Guild, member of the Hospitality Committee, faithful participant of the Monday Night Senior Ministry as well as a faithful church announcer.

In addition to being an active member of her church, Mrs. Lake was very active in her community. She served as a worthy role model in numerous organizations including the Frances Thomas P.T.A., Title I Parent Advisory Council of Selma Public Schools, Alabama State Women’s Convention and the Easter Seals Organization. She also served as president of the Supreme Civic Social and Savings Club for many years. She was also a member of the Phelatis Auxiliary of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority.

Mrs. Lake was an entrepreneur and sole owner of Dean’s Daycare which she operated for over 30 years until her retirement.

She departed this life on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015, surrounded by family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her nine siblings and son, Theopolis Lake. She leaves to cherish and celebrate her memories, two daughters, Dr. Jacinta (Terry) Thomas of McDonough, Georgia and Ketrenna (Dexter) Roberts of Lithonia, Georgia; five sons, Anderson Lake Jr. of Lisman, Larry (Brenda) Lake Sr. of Kimball, Tennessee, Gary Lake Sr. of Birmingham, Marvin (Sharon) Lake Sr. of Missouri City, Texas and Timothy (Audrey) Lake Sr. of Lithonia, Georgia; 26 grandchildren, Cedric, Quinton, Bernard, Theopolis, Chandra, Melinda, Shabria, Danny, Gary, Darius, Gatric, Jujuana, Timothy, Victoria, Amber, Paris, Cameron, Summer, Marvin Jr., Faith, Gabrielle, Timothy Jr., Terry Jr. and India; devoted nieces, Jerria Martin and Elizabeth Smiley; 10 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015, at 1 p.m.