Mother Ophelia Smith Loman

Only a few are blessed and revered as a 93-year old Nonagenarian. Mother Ophelia Smith Loman was the oldest daughter of the late Deacon Columbus A. Smith, Sr. and District Missionary Bessie Harper Smith. She was the loving sister of Ovia Ruth Stephens, Columbus A. Smith, Jr. and Bessie Bowens. Longevity runs in her family—her father lived to be 102- and her mother 95 years old. In 1994 during Genealogy month, Orlando Public Library featured her family and their story of five living generations who had traced their family roots from Alabama to Orlando. Mother Loman was a longtime member of the Senior Choir, Hospitality, Pastor’s Aid and Mothers’ Board. It is an honor to “give Mother Loman her flowers while she yet lives. She was born in Elba (Coffee County) Alabama on April 9, 1922. Her maternal grandfather—George Harper—was a slave. Upon receiving his freedom, George made sure his children received an education. Bessie Harper Smith sent her daughters—Ophelia and Ovia--to private boarding school to receive a “good” education. After graduation from Coffee County Training Center, Ophelia attended Alabama Normal and majored in Home Economics. Ophelia has always been industrious—she loved to cook, bake, clean and keep everything neat and tidy. For years, she was the cafeteria manager at Ameri-First Bank (which was recently demolished in Downtown Orlando). Many workers in the bank building ate her delicious food daily. In 1954, Mother Loman and her husband, Clarence Loman, moved to Orlando, Florida and has resided in Orange County for 61 years. Mother Loman was a lifelong member of the Church of God in Christ all of her life. Mother Loman will be remembered as one who loved to sing the “old-time” hymns and songs of the church. Even at 93 years old, she loved praising the Lord by dancing victoriously. She loved to hear holiness preaching, teaching and as well as helping to train the young saints as a Church Mother and Mother in Zion. It was a joy every Sunday to see Mother Loman adored with her beautiful hats, gloves and plenty of bling—she was her children’s “Queen Mother.” In November 2013, she was recognized as one of the City of Orlando’s Outstanding Seniors by Commissioner Samuel B. Ings. On December 29, 2014, she was honored by her church—Community Church of God in Christ—as the oldest member of the Mothers Board. She received her Angelic Escort from earth to glory on Tuesday, May 26, 2015. Precious memories will be forever cherished by her loving family: daughters: Pastor Mildred Loman Eason and District Missionary Margarett Loman Hester (Johnny); son: C. Earl Loman (Linda); two sisters: Ovia Ruth Stephens, Tampa, Florida and Bessie Ruth Bowens, Utica, New York; eight grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and loving friends.

Tributes

Mother Ophelia Smith Loman

April 9, 1922 - May 26, 2015