Grant F. Anderson Citation for Meritorious Ministry
2006 Honoree of the Queens Federation of Churches

Lorna Valencia

Lorna Valencia was born in Jamaica, West Indies, and migrated to New York City at age 16. She attended Wadley High School in Harlem and graduated at 18. Shortly thereafter Lorna began working for Eden Toys, Inc., and attended City College at night. She met and married Raymond Valencia and they had three children: Donna Marie, Vernon Roy, and Raymond Anthony.

Although raised in the Baptist tradition, she was married in an Episcopal Church in Harlem. After moving to Corona, Queens, her daughter Donna attended Grace Episcopal Church. Father Russell visited her home that very Sunday to welcome her family to the neighborhood. In 1963 she became a member of Grace Church.

Lorna is always busy! She has been a member of the Queens Federation of Churches Board of Directors for over 25 years. She has served as President, twice as Secretary, and continues as a member of the Executive Committee.

She is on the Board of the Committee for Early Childhood Development where she is Treasurer. She is a member of the Cursillo community and has served on many Spanish and English weekends. At Grace Church she has been a member of the Vestry, serving as Senior Warden for more years than she can remember, President of Episcopal Church Women, and a member of the Altar Guild. She helps at the feeding program of Mount Horeb Baptist Church every Thursday and distributes food every Friday morning.

Lorna loves traveling, watching TV (especially PAX), and reading various Christian books. She retired from Eden Toys after 58 years but remains busy.

Lorna knows the Lord has work for her to do and she is willing and ready. Service done in Jesus’ name lasts for all eternity.