In Memory
Lois Vernice (Sweeney) Osborne
June 2, 1936 ~ April 24, 2025 88 Years Old
Lois Vernice Sweeney-Osborne, affectionately known as “Lovie,” was born on June 2, 1936, in Oxford, Mississippi, to the union of Eli Sweeney and Leola (Buford) Sweeney-Kerr. She was raised by Lonzo Kerr. The only daughter among five brothers, Lovie was raised in the heart of Freeman Town—a vibrant Black neighborhood on North 6th Street that stood as a pillar of resilience during the era of segregation.
She began her education at Oxford Training School (OTS), the designated school for Black students in Oxford, before relocating with her family to South Bend, Indiana, in 1951. There, she graduated from Central High School in 1954 and later pursued higher education at Indiana University South Bend, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to learning, ambition, and the values instilled in her by her family. Professionally, Lovie was a gifted educator, serving as a Head Start teacher across South Bend Community Schools for many years. She poured her energy, creativity, and love into her students just as she did into her family and community.
In South Bend, she met and married the love of her life, Fred L. Osborne. Together, they built a strong and loving family, raising four children: Kenneth Osborne, Dwight Darryl Osborne Sr., Freda Greer, and Fred M. Osborne Sr. Lovie took her roles as a wife, mother, aunt, sister, and friend seriously. She was the steady presence in so many lives, offering a listening ear, wise counsel, and unconditional love. Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart. She delighted in keeping them all year round, patiently putting up with their shenanigans, listening intently to their stories, and creating memories they would cherish for a lifetime.
Lovie was a woman of unwavering faith and a devoted member of the Pentecostal Cathedral Church of God in Christ since its establishment in 1972 under the leadership of Bishop Donald L. Alford, Sr. Lovie’s service to the church knew no bounds—she lived with grace, intention, and purpose. Her faith was not just something she believed; it was something she lived. She embodied the love of Christ in every word and deed, offering a warm heart, a helping hand, and a place to belong to anyone who needed it. She devoted her time and talents to the Church. She served on the Funeral Home Committee, the Fine Arts Department and was also a member of the Mother’s Board. She formerly served as a greeter, was an original member of the church Choir and she also decorated the church.
Her creativity was limitless. She loved arts and crafts, and her hands had a way of turning the ordinary into something beautiful. A master thrift shopper, she was a loyal patron of the Goodwill, infamously known as “Willie’s," where she had a gift for finding treasures and making every dollar count. With her signature flair and loving touch, she decorated countless weddings, graduations and her home regularly.
Lovie was known for her infectious laughter—it filled rooms, lightened hearts, and was often accompanied by a perfectly timed joke. A natural comedian, Lovie’s favorite place was her chair, surrounded by family and friends, sharing stories and laughter from sunup to sundown. Above all, Lovie was an inspirational giver. She gave her time, her talents, her wisdom, and her heart freely. She was a foster mother and a mother to anyone who needed one. Her home was always open, food always prepared, and her spirit always welcoming.
Lois leaves to cherish her memory, sons, Kenneth and Dwight Darryl; a daughter, Freda (Calvin) Greer; guardian granddaughter, Sherika (Bruce) Robinson; daughter- in-law, Cheryl Osborne; brothers, Alonzo (Valvree) Kerr and Raymond Kerr; in-laws, Maggie Kerr (Lloyd), Vivian Kerr (Floyd), Peggy Thomas and McArthur Osborne; God daughters, Breyona Murray, Lula Malone, Sheila Mack and Apostle Dr. Pattie Mack-Tucker; Godsons, Terry Lighthall, Marvin Brown, Alfie Shambery and Mark Thomas; grand-children, Michael (Tawanda) Osborne, Lakia Osborne, Alexis Scott, Dontae Aron, Dwight Darryl Osborne Jr., Kelly Marikkar, Sharmell Ford, Cherral Boyd, Chamarie Greer, Maurice Greer, Calvin (Kristiana) Greer Jr, Kelvin (Katrina) Greer, Quila Osborne, Fred Osborne Jr, Tamera Snowden-Osborne, Shaquille Osborne, Alana Nave, Darnicia Clay and Braylon Powell; the Taylor brothers, Allen, Joe and Andre; a host of great-grand kids; bonus family, the Hill sisters, Vanessa, Pam, Sheila, Kathy and Tonya; Viola McClenty, Jackie Johnson, Kent Winters, Loretta Avance, Miya Edwards, Artavia Franklin, Jordan Pfeifer, Timika Strong, Raina Adams, Brandi Scott, Tanisha Scott and Christopher Scott.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred L. Osborne; a son, Fred M. Osborne Sr; her mother Leola Kerr and fathers, Alonzo Kerr, and Eli Sweeney; her brother Herman Kerr; Floyd Kerr Lloyd Kerr; and grandchildren, Willow Osborne and Bri'nane Harvey.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, faith, and service — a life lived fully and beautifully, touching all who had the joy of knowing her.
Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31:31
5/19/2025 djb
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