Cecelia Louise Kerr

Cecelia Louise Kerr was born in Columbus, Ohio on December 2, 1939 to the union of Robert L. Kerr and Hazel S. White Kerr. She was the youngest of four children. She departed this life on January 1, 2019. She was predeceased by her parents and two brothers, Robert E. Kerr (Bob-E) and Frederick L. Kerr Sr. (Freddie). As the youngest of four children she was affectionately known as “Celia.” As a child, she was raised to love and serve the Lord. Her entire family attended church regularly at Caldwell Temple AME Zion Church in Columbus, Ohio, which was later renamed First AME Zion Church in 1960. She attended East High School and graduated at the age of 16. Celia continued her education attending Bliss Business College. Her career began in Columbus, Ohio where she worked with Attorney Jesse Roy as legal secretary. In 1961, Celia joined her sister Carolyn in Los Angeles, California. In 1963 she was employed by Universal Studios as the first African American female hired in the legal department. She retired from Universal Studios after 35 years of dedicated service. She was involved in several organizations; New Frontier Democratic Club and the Urban League, to name a few. She was also a proud member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. She volunteered, on many occasions, for the annual NAACP Image Awards. Upon arriving in Los Angeles, Celia attended service with her sister at First A.M.E. Zion Church and later joined the City of Angels Church of Religious Science until the death of the beloved pastor Dr. O.C. Smith. The church doors were closed after his passing. She later joined the Los Angeles Third Church of Religious Science under the spiritual leadership of Dr. Ronnie Jones. After his retirement from the church Reverend Lisa Meggs became pastor and the church was later renamed Los Angeles Third Church for Spiritual Living. Celia had a love for music and did not hesitate to join the choir, lifting her voice in praise. She sang in the choir for both City of Angels Church and Los Angeles Third Church. Her home in Los Angeles was a stopping place to many of her friends. Whether staying for a few days or longer, she welcomed her loved ones with open arms. Celia was known for enjoying life and seeking its splendor. Her favorite pastime was spent traveling around the world to destinations such as England, Italy, France, Hawaii, and other locales. Cecelia L. Kerr is survived by her sister the matriarch of the Kerr family, Hazel Carolyn Kerr; who made the selfless decision in 2013 to leave her home in Columbus, Ohio and relocate to California to be her sole care giver. Carolyn remained by Celia’s side until her transition. When Celia’s activities became limited in 2011 niece Terrie Kerr and great niece Salena Kerr-Mason stepped in to lend their support. Celia leaves behind foster brothers and sisters: Phillip A. Jefferson (OH), Awanda SanMartin, (CA), Phillip Carter (Pam) (OH), Anthony Carter (OH) and Phyllis Lewis (OH). She was the dearly beloved aunt of four nieces, Pangeeta D. Peterson (CA), Terrie B. Kerr (MD), Taunya L. Hines (Quincy) (MD), and Nicole N. Kerr (OH); two nephews, Ian M. Kerr (OH) and Frederick L. Kerr Jr. (OK); several great nieces and nephews, two great-great nieces and one great-great nephew. She further leaves to cherish her memory, the matriarch of the White family Jacqueline Cain (Dewey) (IN), patriarch Keith White (Vickie) (TX), god-sister Harriett B. Carter (OH), those whom she loved dearly and considered family, Barbara O. Lewis (NV), Hal Williams (CA), Murray family (OH), Johnson family (MD), and Walker family (OH); special friends June Smith (CA) and “The Golden Girls”; former sister-in-law Veneata Kerr as well as a host of cousins, friends and her Los Angeles Third Church and First AME Zion Church, Columbus, OH families.