Rena Morandini Fowlkes

Rena M. Fowlkes was born in Ngoma, Congo which is the northern part of Kivu, Republique of Congo on July 23, 1935, to Luigi Morandini and Mwayuma Mukantuma-Masumbuko. She was the second child from this union and is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Louise Morandini Dupon.

Growing up during her early years, Rena attended a boarding school, the Missionary Baptist School in Butembo, Congo. Rena arrived in the United States in 1960, with her first stop at Ellis Island in New York. After spending about a year in the city, she found the cold winters and hard concrete streets too harsh compared to the warm tropical climate she was used to. So, she moved to Canton, Ohio, to live with a missionary family.

But her journey didn’t end there. A few months later, Rena moved again—this time to Portland, Oregon—to reunite with the same missionary family who had adopted her in Africa. Once settled in Portland, she enrolled in nursing school and made history by becoming one of the first Black certified nurse assistants at Shriners Hospital. She worked there from 1961 to 1963.

During her first year in Portland, Rena met Mabel Wilborn, who became a close friend and mentor. Both women were taking night classes and quickly formed a bond. Mabel later introduced Rena to her friend, Minnie Averette. Minnie and Rena connected immediately, and Minnie, sensing something special, asked if Rena was single. When Rena said “Yes” —with her accent still strong—Minnie smiled and said, “Oh good—then you’re going to be my daughter-in-law.” And she meant it. Minnie introduced Rena to her son, Charles. It was a rare connection that happened in an instant and not long after, Rena and Charles were married on September 1, 1963. Out of this union, 4 children were born: David, Lisa, Nadine and Steve.

Transitioning from her educational career, Rena dedicated herself wholeheartedly to raising her four children and managing the home — embracing her role as a devoted homemaker with the same care and commitment she brought to her work in healthcare.

Rena had a deep love for children. Wherever she went, she naturally attracted them and enjoyed caring for newborns. Her passion for healthcare, beginning with nursing, was evident throughout her life. In the 1960s and 1970s, she focused on home making, raising her children, baking, picking fresh fruit, seasonal canning, and learning to drive in the U.S. She was especially fond of baking cinnamon rolls, cakes, and pies and loved being a home maker.

She was a vibrant, sassy, loving soul with a sharp mind and a heart full of love. Summer days were her favorite—playing with her children, taking them to swimming lessons and canning fresh fruits and vegetables she had picked herself. Later with her husband Charles, she learned Real Estate development, which allowed her children to participate in real estate investment renovations, painting and more. She thrived at the family convenience store, where hands-on experience taught her valuable lessons she carried through life. As the years passed, she dove into those real estate adventures with her husband and children, always leading by example with her hard work and dedication. As a passionate teacher and with nursing skills at heart, she instilled these values in her family. Later, she embraced the joy of travel, making regular trips to visit her daughters in both Chicago and Atlanta, and always creating new memories along the way.

Rena was deeply loved and widely admired. Her warmth and kindness drew people to her from all backgrounds and cultures—she never met a stranger. Whether it was a friendly chat with a neighbor or a smile shared at the grocery store, she had a way of turning everyday encounters into real connections. One of the many things she spoke about often was a that favorite Bible verse, Matthew 7:12: "So in everything, do unto others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." She always recited this verse to her children and made sure they lived by this motto, which she also lived by, and one we will always remember her for.

Rena is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Charles; her children, David, Steve, Nadine, and Lisa; her grandchildren, Ivan, Paris, Jolicia, Gabriel, Javonte, Nathaniel, Jeremiah, and Francesca (Maleekai); her great-grandchildren Kanaijah, Leah, Kaden, Desean, Naylani, Finesse and Kingston. She is eternally grateful to her devoted host family, Don and Evelyn Pierce as well as to her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Note: Rena has not been in touch with two of her siblings since 1972. It is possible that she is survived by her half-siblings, Ana Masumbuko and Jean Masumbuko. Although their current whereabouts are unknown, the family remains hopeful that they may be found through the efforts of her children, cousins, nieces, or nephews. We place our trust in God.

Rena was a cherished member of our family and will be deeply missed by all who knew her and loved her.