Novella Lavern Oglesby

In Loving Memory of Novella Lavern Oglesby March 23, 1941 – February 25, 2026

Novella Lavern Oglesby was born on March 23, 1941, in Washington, Georgia, to the late Ben and Mary Lou Calloway. In 1960, as a teenager, she moved with her parents and siblings to Washington, D.C., where she later graduated from Cardozo High School.

Novella's brother, Albert Daniel "AD" Calloway, introduced her to the love of her life, Walter Albert Oglesby. The two were married on Christmas Day in a ceremony filled with anticipation. The weather was bitterly cold, snow covered the ground, and Walter had not yet arrived. Novella worried he might not make it-but just in time, he walked in, and his beautiful bride's heart was at ease. That moment marked the beginning of a beautiful union that lasted 62 devoted years.

Novella earned a bachelor's degree in Business from the University of the District of Columbia. She built a successful career as a contract procurement professional and retired from the National Institutes of Health. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she faithfully served with Blacks in Government (BIG NIH Chapter) for 44 years.

Novella firmly believed that whatever she set her mind to, she could achieve. In 1963, when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. marched in Washington, D.C., for jobs and freedom, Novella-pregnant with her son-was determined to participate in the historic march. She later marched in support of making Dr. King's birthday a national holiday. She shared Dr. King's dream of equality, unity, and the freedom for all people to live and work wherever they chose.

From the loving union of Novella and Walter came two cherished children: Ferdinand "Nip" Oglesby and Fatima "Tima" Oglesby Morris. Together, Novella and Walter worked tirelessly to provide a wonderful life for their family. When they moved into their first home, they became the first Black family in the neighborhood. With courage and confidence, Novella encouraged her children to go outside and make new friends.

Family meant everything to Novella. She loved hosting crab feasts, cookouts, and family gatherings. Her home was always open to relatives who needed a place to stay and a helping hand. When her parents grew older and required medical care, she lovingly welcomed them into her home and cared for them until their passing.

Novella enjoyed shopping for clothes on Saturdays with her sisters and attending estate sales. She believed that "the family that plays together stays together." She and Walter especially loved taking vacations to their favorite retreat, Bethany Beach, where they established a cherished annual family tradition of fun at the beach.

Known for her warm spirit and lively sense of humor, Novella embraced life fully. She loved cooking, dancing, telling jokes, and making her grandchildren laugh. Her greatest pride and joy were her husband, children, and two grandchildren.

When illness came, Novella was surrounded by the same love she had so generously given throughout her life. Her children lovingly helped care for her, preparing her meals and sitting at the table with their mother, sharing precious moments together. She would often laugh at their jokes, cherishing the time they spent by her side.

Her devoted husband cared for her twenty-four hours a day without complaint, faithfully serving as her caretaker, chef, barber, and chauffeur to appointments. Their love remained steadfast and unwavering-a beautiful testament to the strength of their 62-year union.

"He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor with the Lord." - Proverbs 18:22

On February 25, 2026, Novella peacefully departed this life. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Mary Julia Carter, Ben Lee, Larry, John, Albert Daniel (AD), Catherine Getrou, and Amy Jackson.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory: her loving husband, Walter Albert Oglesby; her children, Ferdinand Oglesby and Fatima Oglesby Morris (John Morris); her beloved grandchildren, John Denzel Morris and Jamal Dominique Morris; her siblings, Maria Calloway and Calvin Calloway; her sister-in-law, Agnes Oglesby; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Novella's life was a testament to faith, determination, love, and family. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.