L. Wayne Christenberry

Wayne peacefully entered the next journey on his road to spiritual enlightenment. He bravely battled his illness with humor and strength. He never wondered “why me”. He accepted his fate and moved through his life with little complaint. Oh, he was bitter and wasn’t all that happy every day, but he plowed ahead with the help of a team of friends and family. With much gratitude and love, we thank all those who were there. Wayne was a native of New Orleans and truly loved his birthplace. It was instilled in him to give back to the community that gave him so much. His various careers brought him directly in touch with his fellow human beings. His careers spanned healthcare to art creation to hospitality and finally to floral design. He loved being creative throughout his life. He was a graduate of De LaSalle High School, attended LSU and graduated from University of New Orleans. Wayne began his career in club management and for several years was the manager of Tchefuncta Country Club in Covington. He then enjoyed using his many talents and creativity to begin his successful career in floral design.

Wayne was the owner of Evergreen Florist in Kenner, which he operated from 1997 until his retirement in 2019.

Son of Ann Jacobs Christenberry and the late Herbert William Christenberry, Jr. Brother of Andrew “Drew” Christenberry, Cynthia “Cindy” Moll (Jerry) and the late Edward Clay Christenberry and Herbert W. Christenberry III. He is also survived by two nephews, Corey Daniel and Casey William Moll (Grayson Anne); niece, Madeline Christenberry; two great nieces Trotter and Mewhinney "Winnie" Moll and a great nephew Colby Moll.

Wayne was President of PFLAG New Orleans and chaired committees for the PFLAG national convention hosted in New Orleans in 1993. Recipient of the PFLAG Star Award for outstanding service in 2016, former Co-chair of NO/AIDS Task Force and recipient of the 2000 “Community First Award” Board Member and Volunteer – Hospice of St. Tammany, active at Associated Catholic Charities and chaired the “Sweet Charity Ball”. Board member Project Lazarus and committee chair for “Halloween New Orleans”, Project Lazarus’ major annual fundraiser. Recipient of the “Angels Among Us” award in 2005, given by Project Lazarus annually for outstanding volunteerism and service. Active volunteer for the AIDS Memorial constructed in Washington Square Park. Early Member of the Louisiana Gay Political Action Caucus (LAGPAC).

A private memorial service will be held in the Chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, with Dr. Jarrett Banks officiating on Friday, October 16, 2020. At 1:30 p.m. all family and friends are invited to join us in a second line from Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home to the graveside service in Metairie Cemetery. In lieu of the usual remembrances, memorials are suggested to Crescent Care, Hospice of St. Tammany or PFLAG New Orleans. The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com .