Elva Gwendolyn Rene

Elva Gwendolyn René was the youngest and last living child of Henry and Clarisa (nee Amour) René’s children. She was born in Barataria, Trinidad and Tobago on May 25th, 1944, and transitioned to be with her Lord and Savior on January 15th, 2025, at the age of 80. Elva is lovingly remembered by her two sons, Wendell and Karl; her daughter-in-law, Tania; and her grandchildren, Clarisa, Camille, Cemonne, Khaleed, and Kamaya. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews including Ingrid, Hazel, Colin, Natalie, Sandra, Clarisa, Rolston, Clive, Sherwin, Nigel, Kurt, Michelle, Russell, Ava, Frances, Portier, Stanley, Leopole, David, Natasha, Magdalene, Tishon, Reginald, Karema, Shane, and Pauline. Her memory will continue to be cherished by her cousins Karen, Thelma, and Cindy and her lifelong friends Jean, Jennifer, and Merle. She formed special bonds with her extended family notably KC, Sherita, Karen, and Ernie, all who she will be deeply missed by. She is also fondly remembered by her stepchildren Darlene, Carlyle and his daughter Braylynn, and Carlton.

Growing up in Trinidad, Elva had a very full and loving childhood. Surrounded by her older siblings Franklin, George, Elton, Dates, Hudson, Oscar, Veldah, Desmond, Fitzroy, Victorine, and Annette, the importance of family was ingrained in her from a young age. She often nostalgically recounted exciting stories of her life while living in Trinidad painting a picture of a home full of sentiment, adoration, and adventure. From a young age, Elva was extremely independent and strong-willed and in 1967, she moved to Minnesota after completing courses at T&T’s Hotel & Catering School and being awarded a Visa. In Minnesota, she met Linda Serrant, a fellow Trini, and the two instantly connected. In 1969, she and Linda moved to Brooklyn, NY and befriended Verlyn Samuel, Lorna Thompson, Maureen Pierre, and many others. Together, these ladies built a sisterhood and cultivated a community amongst their children and extended family where they kept their Trini culture alive, countlessly poured into each other, and built family bonds away from their home.

While living in New York, Elva worked at several banks and A&S, jobs she enjoyed because of her love of math and her aspirations of becoming an accountant. In 1972, she joyfully welcomed her son, Wendell. In 1974, she married Carl Adams, with whom she had her second son, Karl, later that same year. Though they separated a few years later, Elva embraced her role as a single mother with unwavering devotion and love. She poured her heart into raising her sons nurturing them to be strong, confident, and compassionate men of God. She constantly emphasized the importance of family and generosity, always welcoming others into her home with open arms. She protected and loved her children fiercely and made many sacrifices for their wellbeing of which they are eternally grateful.

In 1982, Elva relocated to Takoma Park, MD to provide better opportunities for her sons outside of New York. Shortly after, she moved her family to Gaithersburg, MD. As the faithful daughter she was, she continued to be the caregiver of her beloved mother until her passing in 1987. She was completely devastated by the loss of her mother Clarisa and spoke of her fondly even in her last days. Later in her life, Elva worked in home health care and she and her sons established roots in Gaithersburg, where they remained for the next two decades. While remaining an integral part of her sons’ lives, she fostered many relationships with their close friends including Shaka, Clint, PJ, Don, Kevin, Rotrice, and Tammy.

In Maryland, she became a grandmother to Clarisa, Camille, and Cemonne all of whom she loved with her whole heart. She had unique and special relationships with each of them. Elva was deeply devoted to her role as a grandmother, lovingly helping to raise and care for her granddaughters, as well as several extended family members whom she cherished as her own grandchildren. After moving to Texas in 2009, she continued to be a constant presence in her family’s lives ensuring to be at every birthday, holiday, and celebration possible.

Elva was a devout Christian who proudly proclaimed Jesus as the Lord and Savior of her life. Raised in the Catholic Church, she treasured her prayer books, representations of Jesus and Mother Mary, and other Biblical characters. For many years, she was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus International Spiritual Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. where she continued to grow her faith and form many friendships. She was steadfast in prayer and faithfully said her rosary every day. She loved the book of Psalms and was known to recite many of them, most notably Psalms 23, 27, and 91. Through her faith in Christ Jesus as Lord, we know Elva has been accepted into heaven alongside the angels with her eternal and merciful Father. Elva was known to be witty and quick-mouthed, always keeping everyone on their toes. Her humor and laughter were unmatched. Her personality was endearing. Her presence was admired. She loved to talk on the phone and connect with friends and distant relatives. She was known for her words of wisdom and kindness which will always be in our hearts. Her death is a devastating loss for her entire family; however, we will continue to celebrate her life in every way possible. Elva’s memory will be cherished forever, and she will be missed dearly. May she rest in perfect peace.