Lois Carson, an important leader in the African American Catholic community of the Diocese for nearly 70 years, passed away on July 14.
Carson was a dynamic force at St. Anthony Parish in San Bernardino for 68 years, coordinating the Gospel Choir there and helping to build the parish school, which is now closed. At the Diocesan level, she worked with founding Bishop Philip Straling to establish the Assembly for Black Catholics, a ministry that has evolved into today’s Office of Ministry to Catholics of African Descent. She founded the successful Blood of the Martyrs blood drive held locally on the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.
In 2002 she received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, the highest honor bestowed upon a layperson by the Universal Church.
“She was the instrument through which God showed His face to our communities and our Diocese,” said David Okonkwo, Director of the Ministry to Catholics of African Descent, of her impact on black Catholics.
Carson was also a distinguished member of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary 4th Degree, the largest African American Catholic lay organization in the United States. She founded the Inland Empire’s Court 257 of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary 4th Degree and served on several of the organization’s committees at the regional and national level. Last year she received the organization’s highest honor, the Cartagena Award.
Her community work also extended into the civic world. Among the many leadership positions Carson held, she served as deputy director of San Bernardino County’s Community Action Partnership and later as executive director of Riverside County’s Community Action Partnership.
Reflecting last year on a lifetime of community involvement, Carson said simply, “I like working with other people to get things done.”
The Diocesan Ministry to Catholics of African Descent will be offering a Rosary in Carson’s memory via Zoom on Aug. 13 at 6 p.m.