Minnie Lenney

Minnie Lee Lenney was lovingly known to many as “Sista” and to others as “Mama Minnie” or “Maw Maw”. To her children she is called “Mama”, but to God she is called “His Child” and on May 17, 2020 @ 11:20 p.m., she departed this life and moved to her eternal home with her Father in Heaven. We all loved her, but God loves her the most.

Minnie was born November 8, 1941, in Bessemer, Alabama to Henry and Laura Robinson, both of whom preceded her in death. She was one of four (4) children. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Mary Louise Cooper (1988), her brothers, Herman Lee Stephens (2015) and Clearance Robinson (1974). She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Cheryl Drew (2001).

Upon moving to Cincinnati, Ohio, Minnie attended the Cincinnati Public Schools System. Later she decided to further her education by attending the Christ Hospital School of Nursing and shortly there-after was employed by the Christ Hospital where she worked for many years. Because of her nurturing nature, she took on the task of private duty nursing, specializing in caring for the elderly. She was employed by several private duty nursing agencies, American Nursing Care being the longest. Minnie always respected and honored the wishes of her clients which were to stay in their homes, while allowing them to maintain their dignity and receive the medical care they deserved. She faithfully accomplished her purpose and served in this capacity until her health began to fail.

Minnie was united in Holy Matrimony to William Henry Lenney in 1976, who preceded her in death (1984). Together they created a home filled with love, enjoyment and time spent with family and friends. Being the loving and doting great-grandmother she was, Maw Maw (which she was affectionately called) believed in spoiling the great-grandchildren whenever the opportunity presented itself. She was often heard to say, “Y’all can’t take all the fun out of being a Grandma.”

Minnie was very talented and developed a love of singing. She sang with a group of her peers while in high school and during that time, they composed a song that was later published. Minnie accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. During her walk with the Lord, she used her love and passion of singing to honor God by testifying of His good-ness in song with the gospel group, The Voices of Faith. She loved her church and was very proud to say she was a member of the Southern Baptist Church. Even when she was not physically in the church building, she would ensure her financial support was there to assist in the furtherance of Kingdom building.

Everyone who knows her can attest to the fact that she was an extraordinary cook and could cook ANYTHING. To say she enjoyed cooking is an understatement. Her expertise in the culinary arts allowed her the privilege of owning and operating her own catering business known as Elegant Edibles Catering. Her professional catering skills, coupled with her perfectionist approach to business, afforded Elegant Edibles Catering to be in great demand. As a result, she was asked to cater various events all over the city.

In addition, she was a devoted member of the Fraternal Order of the I.B.P.O.E. of W. (Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World), Ettah Wah Temple #7, where she served faithfully for many years; even holding the office of the Grand Daughter Ruler at one point. She also served faith-fully as a member of the Cincinnati Federation of Colored Women and the D&BSC Social Club.

Pleasant memories of Minnie will live on in the minds and hearts of those she leaves behind:

Children: Nadine Robinson, Paula Jean Sweet, Renita Lenney-Frank (Marc) and Tonya Wade (Bo).

Grandchildren: Florence Marie Robinson (LaGran), Michelle Lynn Drew (Myke), Jerry Lee Drew, Jr. (Alisa), Charles Drew, Natalie Selman, Monica Hunter, Marcus Hunter, Brandon Harris, Travon Harris, Chad Harris and Razanel Wade.

Great-Grandchildren: Raeghan, Gregory, Ryan, Jerry Lee III, Mykiah, Camaran, Caleb, Jade and Jardan; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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