Magnolia "Sister Mag" Rayford

Missionary Magnolia "Sister Mag" Rayford Lang was born to the late Dock and Inez Lee Rayford on May 29, 1934, in Transylvania, Louisiana. Accepting Christ at an early age, she was baptized in 1949. In 1954, she moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, eventually joining Saint Mark Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Author James Alexander, where she remained a faithful and dedicated servant for over forty years. Under the leadership of her brother, Bishop Jessie Rayford, she became a founding member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained a member until her death. Not only was she a good and faithful servant of the Lord, but Sister Mag was also a loving and caring mother and a caring member of her community. She helped and cared for a multitude of people, spreading her love far and wide. The Lucky Star Bar hosted: Sudan Social and Pleasure Club and the Yellow Pocahontas Tribe led by Allison "Tootie" Montana, for many years down in the 7th Ward of New Orleans, Louisiana. Sister Mag was a great cook who loved hosting family gatherings. She also sold her cuisine to customers throughout New Orleans, especially down in the 7-Ward. She worked as a cook at Loyola University and at the Krause Department Store. Along with her husband, David (Dave), Sister Mag and Dave ran two bars in two restaurants on Saint Bernard Avenue: Maggie's Lucky Star Bar & Restaurant and Lucky Star Store. Surrounded by her loving and caring family in her home, Missionary Magnolia Rayford departed this life on October 5, 2025. Left to cherish her memories are her seven sons, Leonard (Charlotte) Rayford of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Melvin Rayford, Cleveland Rayford, David Rayford, Jessie (Andrea) Rayford of Colorado, Mitchell Rayford, and Robert Rayford, one stepson, David, Cyrus; eight daughters, Albirta Rayford (Glenn) Armstrong, Ernestine Rayford, Gail Rayford, Jeanette Rayford (Cedrick) Melton, Dorothy Barnes, Magnolia Rayford (Willie) McLaughlin, Lula Rayford and Beatrice Rayford, one stepdaughter Patricia Gregory; two sisters: Lula Mae (Rayford) Lewis and Beatrice (Rayford) James; and three brothers, Jessie (Roslyn) Rayford, Jack Rayford, and Cleveland Rayford; seventy-one grandchildren; ninety-six great-grandchildren; forty-four great-great-grandchildren; her very good friend, Teresa Rayford; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Known as the "Queen of Saint Bernard Avenue," Missionary Magnolia was a friend to all in the 6th and 7th Wards. Sister Mag was preceded in death by her husband, David Lang; sons: James Fitzgerald Lang, Larry Rayford, and stepson Jimmie Hill; grandsons: David Lee Melton Jr, Farrell Rayford, Ernest Joseph Melton, Kristopher Juan Parker, Elton Barnes, Larry Taylor, and Carlos Taylor; great-granddaughter Lynier Rayford; brothers Eddie, Julius, and Dock Rayford; and sisters Arlie Gains and Alberta Lyons. Family and friends are invited to attend the Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, October 18, 2025, for 10:00 a.m. at the Treme Center, 900 North Villere St., New Orleans, LA 70116. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. Honorary Bishop Jesse Rayford and Pastor Roslyn Rayford, officiating. Following Jazz Funeral Interment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 4000 Norman Mayer Ave., New Orleans, LA. On behalf of the Rayford and Lang family, we want to thank each and every one for coming out in honor of our mother, missionary Magnolia Lang Rayford. Thank you for your flowers, thoughts, or whatever it is that you did to show your love in honor of this woman of God. Our sincerest thanks to you. May God bless and may God keep. Guestbook Online: www.anewtraditionbegins.com (504) 282-0600. Donavin D. Boyd and Linear Brooks Boyd Owners/Funeral Directors.

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