Rovena L. Mcelveen

ROVENA'BENA'LOWERY MCELVEEN, third child born to the late Charlie and Hattie Lowery, began her earthly assignment on September 17, 1937 in Lynchburg, South Carolina. Rovena entered her eternal rest on March 22, 2016 following a lengthy illness. As a youngster, Bena-as family and friends knew her learned the true meaning of hard work and perseverance while toiling in the fields on her parent's farm. She attended the Lee County Public Schools , graduating from Dennis High in 1956.

A Godly woman of integrity, Rovena lived a life of committed service to God, family and church. She accepted Christ at a young age and was a member of St. Matthews AME Church in Lynchburg. She would return to South Carolina regularly for the church's annual home coming service. In February 1965 she joined the New Bethlehem Baptist Church. As a devoted member, she served diligently on the choir, missionaries and Diaconate and was appointed as a Church Mother in 2010 by her current pastor, Dr. Lisa Weah.

Rovena met the love of her life, William'Dunk' McElveen as a young girl growing up in rural South Carolina. She would reject William's attempts at winning her heart for three long years, but Rovena finally relented and love blossomed for the twenty year old. Bena and Dunk were married in a small ceremony on Christmas Eve 1960, They would eventually become the proud parents of six children. Like so many living in the south at the time, they dreamed of building a better life 'up north'; and after four years of marriage, they relocated to Baltimore with their two young daughters. Rovena worked at Baltimore Pizza Crust Company for several years prior to joining Maryland Cup Company, where she would continue employment until retiring in August 2002.
One of her often quoted sayings, 'it is better to have and not need than to need and not have' made her home a welcoming place for many to enjoy a hot meal. She enjoyed cooking, watching television, especially, The Price is Right, crossword puzzles, writing and reading the bible.

Cherished memories and humorous quotes will forever resonate in the hearts of her devoted husband of 55 years, William, Sr.; children: Cynthia(Wesley) Barkley, Yolanda(Timothy) Evans, Felicia, William Jr.,(Lakeisha), Antoine(Loura); 15 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; a special son, Patrick(Katrina) Arrington; brother, Charles Alphonso; sister-in-law, Margaret; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Rovena was preceded in death by her parents, stepson, Timothy Burgess, grandson, Enoch, sister, Maggie Wilkins and brother, James Leroy.