Lorena McAllister

Lorena Roberson McAllister Wilson was born on July 22, 1934 in Durham North Carolina, daughter to the late Leroy Roberson and Fannie Neal Roberson. Lorena departed this life on Saturday, June 21st, at the Morristown Medical Center. Lorena was also known as “Lou” and “Millie”. Lorena attended the Durham school system and graduated from Hillside High, class of 1952. Lorena continued her education and studied to become a nurse. She always had a love to care for, and help others, and that’s what she did until she was no longer able. Lorena studied for three years, and decided nursing was not for her. Lorena eventually moved to New Jersey, and started dating a childhood friend that had also relocated to New Jersey, Emitt McAllister, they married and from this union, Anthony (Tony) was born. Lorena always wanted a daughter; Bevelyn (Cookie) came into her life at the age of three years old, and she raised her, and loved her until the day she closed her eyes. Lorena worked for many companies, and sometimes held two jobs at a time. Lorena was a hard worker, and would often say how her father instilled in her and her siblings the importance, and benefits of hard work . The company that she absolutely loved, and worked for many years, was Western Electric, until 1984. Those were “The Good Old Days” She had 25 years before the company relocated to Pennsylvania . She decided not to relocate because she, and Herman Hawk had a young child, Dewann Marquis McAllister, and wanted to give him the care and love needed without changing his environment. After retiring from Western Electric, Lorena wanted to enhance her clerical skills while looking for a new job. Lorena was fortunate to find a position at Strategic Technologies in Iselin NJ. She worked there until year 2000, before retiring for a second time, and final retirement On August 2, 1987 Lorena married the love of her life, William K. Wilson. They were married until he preceded her in death on March 18, 2001. Lorena LOVED her church, Heards AME! She was a long standing member for over 60 years. During her retirement, you could find her in the church kitchen most days. She loved to cook, and looked forward to meeting up with friends, laughing, joking, and preparing food for different church functions, repasses and catering events. She was known for her delicious cabbage. People would brag about it, she would smile and say “ I don’t even eat it”. Lorena was a true servant! She had her own ministry without even realizing it, because it came from her heart. To give made her happy. Lorena participated in many church ministries, such as; Naomi Holmes Caring Hearts Sick and Shut-in Ministry, The Emergency Choir, Heliotrope Flower Club, Senior Fellowship, Heard AME Culinary Committee and Heard AME Food Pantry. Lorena had many hobbies/interests. She absolutely loved traveling! She’s traveled to Hawaii,(twice), Alaska, Aruba, Canada many times, Mexico, Rhode Island many times, Paris/London and several cruises to name a few. She also loved to shop, sew, bowl, visit folks in nursing homes, and workout in her later years. Lorena was preceded by her father, mother, three sisters, four brothers, and grandson Tyquan McAllister. She leaves to cherish fond memories with her sister Lula Linder (John) and brother, Alex Roberson (Myrna). She leaves a cherished legacy in her loving son’s; Anthony (Tony) McAllister (Denise), and Dewann McAllister; daughter; Bevelyn (Cookie) Peterson (Gregory); grandsons, Gregory Peterson the second, Dewann McAllister, Terrell Gambill, and Marquis McAllister; granddaughters Paige George (James), and Allisa McAllister, great grandsons; Tyquan McAllister Junior, Dewann McAllister the third, Greyson Peterson, Grant Peterson, Xavier McAllister, & Evynn McAllister; great granddaughter, Laila George and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, lifelong friends, and beloved church members. Lorena has touched the hearts of so many! She will truly be missed. We so love her but God loves her even more!