Elga Kendall

Elga Kendall, a longtime resident of Berkeley, California passed away peacefully on August 11, 2024, at the remarkable age of 106. She was born on August 9, 1918 , near Lott, Texas in Falls County to the parents of Louis Green Evans and Inez John-Evans. Elga was the eldest of two sisters, Savine, and Naomi. After her parents separated, her mother moved the children to Dallas, Texas and later to Memphis, Texas, where they attended church and school. Years later, Elga’s father remarried and had three more children, Mary, Ada Belle, and Louis Green Jr. As a young adult, Elga moved to Berkeley, CA in 1943 during World War II. She initially found employment at Pabco Manufacturing Company in Emeryville, CA. Later, she began working at Colgate- Palmolive Company where she remained until her retirement in 1979. During this period, Elga also pursued her passion for beauty and attended Charm Beauty College in Oakland, CA, graduating with the class of 1962. In 1948, Elga accepted Christ and was baptized by the late Rev. Edward Stovall at Progressive Baptist Church. Throughout her time at Progressive, she was actively involved in various ministries including: Women’s Chorus, Mass Choir, Lois Circle of the Women’s Mission, Women’s Ministries, and Deaconess Ministries. Elga married Eddie Kendall in 1972. During their marriage, aside from serving God, one of the things they loved most was traveling. Some of the places they traveled to were Europe, Hawaii, Mexico City, Panama Canal, Haiti, Jamaica, Washington D.C., Canada, New York City, and New England. Travelling during those days became some of her fondest memories, which she often reminisced about. Elga was deeply dedicated and engaged in her community. For over 28 years, she volunteered with the American Cancer Society and Heart Fund and thoroughly enjoyed her work. Even at 101 years old, they were still reaching out to her for participation. Other Recognitions and Awards that Elga received included numerous certificates from Progressive Church: Sunday school instructor, Bible study groups, assisting in Vacation Bible School, and Evangelism to name a few. She was also active in community work with Phi Sigma Alpha Sorority as an honoree. In 1991, she was honored with the Phenomenal Women Award, a recognition that held deep significance for her. Elga was a proud participant in the annual “Most Influential Women in Business” publication, which celebrates over 100 women business leaders in real estate, law, tech, finance, health care and many other industries. These women work in diverse fields but share a deep passion for what they do. They are all leaders in their organizations and communities. Elga was truly an extraordinary person - a woman ahead of her time, whose vision and accomplishments spanned her entire lifetime. On Sunday, August 11, 2024, Sister Elga Kendall entered her eternal rest. Present at her bedside was her granddaughter, Kimberley Coats, who stayed with her to the very end. Elga fought the good fight of faith and finished her course and went to sleep with the blessed promise found in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first: V. 17- Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” Elga will to be in that number. She leaves to mourn and cherish her memories her cousin Mary Alice Stenson; nieces, Susie James, Carolyn Evans, Nicole Robinson; nephews Sammie, Steven, Clifton, and Charles Robinson; Connie Tolfree and family, Chaun Tolfree and family. On the Kendall side of the family, she leaves to mourn her stepson Carl Kendall, grandson Rone Kendall; granddaughter Kimberley (Philip) and children Emily and Jordan; granddaughter Carla Monagan and family; goddaughter Gina Turner and sons Trenton, Telem, Tamar Turner; foster son David Gbortoe. She also leaves to mourn her Progressive Church family and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Elga Kendall

August 11, 2024

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Elga Kendall

August 11, 2024

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