Lorene Reid Pierce Parks
OBITUARY
Lorene Reid Pierce Parks was born on December 7, 1927 in Wewoka, Oklahoma to Irene Henderson Reid Scott (upon passing- member & pianist of White Rose C.O.G.I.C Long Beach, CA 1940s-1990s) and Thornton Reid. She was the firstborn child of their union and was blessed with younger siblings Arthur, Dora, and Otis Reid, who was the first black firefigher and Captain of the Long Beach City Fire Department; as well as older siblings Jessie, Lovie, Frank and Spencer Reid.
In December 1945, the Reid family relocated to Saticoy, California. Lorene graduated from Ventura High School and worked for several local employers before beginning her career at the Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme, California in 1955 as a Supply Clerk Typist. She also served as an Avon representative for more than thirty years.
Lorene was not only a devoted daughter, sister and mother at home, but also a cherished member of two separate five-generation family legacies and a spiritual sister and mother to many. Through her beautiful voice, musical gifts, and loving spirit, she touched hearts around the world. Beyond her many accomplishments, her infectious humor and laughter brought joy to countless people and will be fondly remembered.
On September 20, 1947, Lorene Reid married Harvel Pierce of Eufaula, Oklahoma. Together they welcomed five children: Jerome, Harold, Gail, Brenda and Marcia. Lorene and Harvel made their home in Oxnard, CA, where they joined Trinity Baptist Church. A gifted musician, Lorene played the piano and organ, sang and directed choirs for many years. Her ministry extended beyond Trinity Baptist Church to Emmanuel Baptist Church, Evangelistic Baptist Church, and Shiloh Baptist Church, all in Oxnard.
Lorene loved traveling throughout California, returning to Oklahoma to visit family, and journeying across the country to reconnect with loved ones and friends. She especially enjoyed cooking home-cooked meals and baking for holidays and birthdays, as these occasions provided cherished opportunities to fellowship with family, friends, and church communities.
After her marriage to Harvel ended, Lorene married Reverend Richard Parks. Through this union, she became a stepmom to Richard Jr. (Dickie), Yvonne, Dan, and Keith, and was blessed with an even larger family of grandchildren and relatives. Reverend Parks and Sister Parks faithfully served as pastor and First Lady of Calvary Baptist Church in Oxnard, California.
Upon retiring from Port Hueneme Naval Base in 1985, Richard and Lorene moved to Victorville in California’s High Desert. Together they traveled extensively in recreational vehicles, attending family reunions, class reunions, and church services across the country. They joined First Missionary Baptist Church in Victorville, where they were active members of both the church and the High Desert community.
Following Reverend Parks’ transition in 2000, Lorene relocated to Long Beach, California. In 2004, she joined St. Mark Baptist Church, where Mother Parks faithfully played the piano for Sunday School until the age of 95.
Lorene transitioned on June 8, 2026, leaving to cherish her memory, her brother, Arthur; and her daughters, Brenda and Marcia; grandchildren, Latrice, Harold Jr., (Erica), Sherri, Christopher and Summer; great-grandchildren Ravon, Sam, Jamar, Clevon, Corrin, Seth and Olivia; great-great-grandchildren, Mason, Kacey, Azariah and Nehemiah; and a host of beloved family members and friends.
Lorene was predeceased by her husband, Reverend Richard Parks; former husband, Harvel Pierce; children Jerome, Harold and Gail; granddaughter, Sharee; her parents, Irene Scott and Thornton Reid; and her other siblings.