VENORIA LINDSAY

The fireworks were still hot on July 6, 1939 when Dr. Charles Andrews delivered Venoria 3 minutes after her twin, Victoria.

Her formative years were spent at St. James AME (on the West side)., in San Antonio, TX where she participated in the Choir, the Usher board and in Sunday School. She took piano lessons from her God Mother, Ruth Vandyke.

Due to Venoria’s tiny size as a child, her Great Uncle I G Watson, known as the Black Mayor of Lake Elsinore, CA asked if he could bring her to California to live with him and his family, in order to “fatten her up”. She was reunited with her mother and siblings and relocated San Diego after her mom began work at North Iland. She attended Dana Junior High School and graduated from Pt. Loma High School in 1957. After High School graduation, she attended Kelsey Jennings School of Business.

Venoria lived in Frontier Housing and was a member of the Acettes, which of course had jackets and gym dances. Venoria was often referred to as “High Pockets”, “Frijoles”, “Sis Vee” and “NoNo” and her favorite meal was “liver and Onions”.

Venoria joined Bethel AME in 1952 under Rev. Therion E, Cobbs and participated in all youth activities. She participated and performed in the American Legion Drum and Bugle Corp. with people like Cynthia Rogers, Wanda Stepp, Judy Latham and others. She worked at the Grocery Store on 36th and Ocean View Blvd., The Tax Started Program, Area E under Don Logans, Albritten Tax Service on Market St., a Lead Precinct Elections Worker, was a member of the Secretarial and Clerical Associate and ultimately retire from Pacific Bell, after 20+ years.

Venoria and her husband John Lindsay moved to Japan with their son Byron and 2 additional sons born, Dwayne and Troy. They relocated to Vallejo, CA and years later she moved back to San Diego where her youngest and only daughter, Danielle Lavette was born.

Following her oldest son Byron’s death, a USA Olympic Boxer who along with his coach and entire team was killed in a plane crash in Warsaw, Poland, she became heavily involved in USA Boxing. She was a Master Official/level III, President of California Border Association Local Boxing Committee #44 (serving San Diego and Imperial Counties). She was a Volunteer at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, CA and an Official at the 1992 Olympics in Atlanta, GA and received many awards. Venorial also served as Secretary for the TNBA local San Diego Senate and travelled extensively across the country.

Venoria will be remembered for her love of all things Boxing, Bowling and her Family, She was the Little Lady with the red hair and carried “a big stick” and always had an inviting smile.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her Daughter Danielle Lavette (Dana) Rutherford, Sister Pearlie (Ray) Killens, Grandchildren, Dwayne Kelly Lindsay, Dionna Sharpe, Vereisha Linsay, Ajjahh Lindsay, LaTrell Tyree Lindsay, Tatiana Hudson (Tranell), Dakaia Milan Rutherford an Danaia Bryann Rutherford, Play sister Lula Bell and a host of nieces and nephews.

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