Luvenia Inez Rouse

Luvenia, the second child, but first daughter of Ruth H. and Charles G. Brown, Jr., was born on February 18, 1939 at 257 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, Indiana, in the home of her paternal grandparents. Luvenia, known as “Sis” to her family and friends, attended Lincoln School from grades K-12 and graduated in June, 1956.

She was united in marriage to George Wharton, and from that union they were blessed with one son, Gino C. Wharton, who was born on March 30, 1957. She later married Rev. Dr. Melvin H. Rouse on August 27, 1960 and became the stepmother of two sons, Melvin D. Jr. and Gregory P. Luvenia retired in 1994 from Mead Johnson, that later became Bristol Myers Squibb Company, after 28 years of service. After five years of retirement, Luvenia started working part-time at Famous Barr Department Store where she received a Diamond Star sales associate (highest level), being number one in her area for credit applications, and for receiving the Sparkling sales associate award four years in a row, just to name a few. She retired from Famous Barr after five years of service in 2003.

Luvenia gave her life to Christ at a young age and there was nothing or nobody she loved more than the Lord. Every day after she got up you would hear her say, “Oh thank you Jesus for another day.” She was a dedicated member of McFarland Missionary Baptist Church where she served faithfully as First Lady for 14 years. She also served as Sunday School Superintendent, on the Mother’s board, was a local treasurer for the mission (Three Big Sisters), and enjoyed fellowship with the Ministers' Wives Council of Evansville.

When she was not serving in the church, she enjoyed cooking, baking, and spending time with her family, especially her great-great-nephew/Godson, Javar, who she helped raise since he was six weeks old. She enjoyed spending time with Javar’s children and looked at them as her own grandchildren.

Luvenia was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rev. Dr. Melvin H. Rouse (2002); two sisters, Judith A. Harrod and Carolyn S. Springer; and one brother, Robert A. Brown, Sr.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her son, Gino C. Wharton; godson, Javar Madison, Jr. (Helina) and their children that she called her “little buddies” and looked forward to spending time with every day, Ayden Miller and Ashlynn Madison; three sisters, Mary E. Meriwether, Shirley (Brown) Willingham, and Virginia E. Lee; two brothers, Charles G. Brown, III and Reginald R. Brown; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A special thank you to our village, Denise Madison, Helina Madison, Demetria Watts, Shirley (Brown) Willingham, Summer Morgan, Janise Madison, David Felton, Cara Cobb, Peggy Piper, Javar Madison, Jr., and Reginald R. Brown for everything that was done to care for her then and now.

A Celebration of Life, officiated by Pastor DuWayne Blair, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at McFarland Missionary Baptist Church, 750 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, Indiana 47713. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the church.

Memorial contributions can be made to McFarland Missionary Baptist Church.

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.