Lenora Holcombe

LIFE SKETCH OF MRS. LENORA ZENA FLOWERS HOLCOMBE

Lenora Zena Holcombe was born on March 23, 1923 to Isaac and Albertha Flowers in the city of Brewerville, Montserrado County, Liberia, West Africa. She was the first of five sisters, Elizabeth Gibson, Thelema January, Catherine Morris, Grace Ricks and two brothers, Hillary Dennis and Joseph Stubblefield Unfortunately, one sister, Catherine, her bother Hillary, and her parents predeceased her.

Lenora was later placed under the guidance of Dr. and Mrs. Thomas, head of the Lott Carey Baptist Mission School in Brewerville where she enrolled as a student and remained until her graduation. She later entered a nursing training program under the teaching of Ms. Maggie Dennis, where she received her certification of completion. She worked in the nursing profession for an extended period.

Lenora was married to Joseph P. Holcombe of Cauldwell, Liberia. Their union was blessed with four sons and one daughter- Joseph Jr, Stephen, Philip, John Holcombe and Marlon (Weewee). Sadly, Lenora was predeceased by her husband and two of her sons, Stephen and Philip.

Lenora also worked for the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism as an Arts and Crafts (sewing, tie-dying, jewelry making, etc.) instructor at the National Culture Center (Kendeja) located on the outskirt of Monrovia. She loved the performing arts and traditional African dance and was a member of a theatrical group. She also played the “sassa” very well. She was an accomplished artist in her own right which was evident by being a regular presenter at arts and crafts workshops hosted by USAID at the American Embassy in Monrovia. Her signature traditional African dolls were highly sought after by arts enthusiasts. 

Lenora was a devout Christian and a member of the St. Peters Episcopal Church located in Cauldwell, Liberia where she served faithfully. She would later immigrate to the United States of America when the political situation in Liberia began to rapidly decline in the 1980s . She lived and worked in New York City for several years before moving to Dorchester, MA. While in Dorchester, she worshipped at the United House of Prayer. She resided in the state of Massachusetts until her death.

Lenora was a very beautiful and loving woman.  She adored her family and served as an inspiration to them. She traveled extensively to many countries in Africa and Europe, and to North and South America, broadening her horizon, learning and sharing her skills particularly with young women. 

Lenora leaves behind to cherish her memories her sons Joseph Holcombe, Jr. and John Holcombe, her daughter Marlon King-Fig, her grandchildren Florence Johnson, Serdia Lenora Holcombe, John Holcombe Jr., Tombakai Holcombe, her brother Joseph Stubblefield, her sisters Elizabeth Gibson, Thelma January and Grace Flowers Ricks and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended relatives who will always remember her as “a tower of strength.”