Lurdine Anifowoshe was born August 17, 1941 in Rusk County, TX as the 13th child of 16 children to Deacon Bishop and Mamie Bryant. Fondly known as “Deena” to her family, Lurdine received her formal elementary and high school education in Rusk County, TX. In 1960, Lurdine was united in marriage to Carl Roberson, and from this union one child was born, Dale Ray Roberson. She was a very loving and supportive mother, who encouraged Dale to pursue all his endeavors. She later met and married Nosiru Naddy Anifowoshe in 1975. During this union Lurdine traveled to and lived in Lagos, Nigeria where she opened her loving arms and heart to being a mother to Olumide, Adebayo, and Sheri Anifowoshe. She began her working career in the field of nursing in Oklahoma. And later was trained and worked for many years as a mental health specialist in Colorado. She touched many lives as she provided support, encouragement, and counseling for her many clients. In addition to providing counseling as a professional, she counseled many family members and friends. Lurdine was best known by her family and friends as an amateur chef. Cooking was her passion and joy. She was known to have huge family gatherings with an elaborate feast spread out on the table. Even when she traveled out of town she could be found in the kitchen whipping up a delicious meal. Because of her love of cooking she started a catering business and provided southern style cooking for Spruce Street East on the weekends. Eventually she became co-owner of a restaurant Herbs & Spices, which was featured in a local newspaper for its African and southern cuisine. Lurdine was a true entrepreneur and in addition to being a restaurant owner she also owned a clothing store, Lurdine’s Fashion Affair Plus, as well as many other smaller business ventures. Lurdine also loved to travel and see the world. Her passport showed the many countries she had visited and she had friends in several countries. She loved Africa, the people, the food, the culture and the art which was reflected in her home. In addition to her African art collection, she was also a collector of antique green glass, black memorabilia, dolls and tea cups. Over the years, Lurdine was an active member of several social clubs, non-profit boards, and community organizations, but she is best remembered for her own non-profit, Lurdine’s Cupboard and Resources which started in 2005. Lurdine’s Cupboard provided food and resources to many families for almost 10 years. Her heart was for everyone, especially the working class. She wanted to help the average working person by supplementing their income. During those years she worked tirelessly organizing volunteers, transporting food, and distributing food weekly. Lurdine’s Cupboard which was headquartered at Progressive Church of God in Christ, was in full swing every Saturday morning passing out food boxes to families. In addition to providing food on Saturdays Lurdine brought family, friends, co-workers and kids together. The food bank family will always remember the time spent carrying boxes up and down the stairs, organizing the pantry, and laughing together. Lurdine is fondly remembered by her friends as a truly loving and giving person. And by her family as always being supportive. Through the years she provided for all her family, giving what she had and being there when family needed her the most. Lurdine will be truly missed by all who knew her and loved her. Lurdine is preceded in death by her husband Carl Roberson, her husband Nosiru Naddy Anifowoshe, her father Deacon Bishop Bryant, mother Mamie Bryant, brothers Bishop C.L. Bryant and baby boy Bryant, sisters Missionary Alie White, Missionary Leafus Jean Roberts, Missionary Flenory Simpson, and Missionary Doris Jean King. Those left to cherish her memory and morn her lost include her children, Dale Roberson, Olumide (Dumkele) Anifowoshe, Adebayo (Olubunmi) Anifowoshe and Sheri Anifowoshe; Brothers and sisters Rev. Rayford Bryant, Roy Lee Bryant, Bishop Prince E.W. Bryant, Sr., Missionary Ormie B Martin, Missionary Georgia Campbell, Overseer Annie Bell Houser, Missionary Gazell McClendon, Missionary Mary L. Livingston, and Sister Betty Bailey; Eight grandchildren James Roberson (Anna), Tejah Roberson, Sean Nutter, Nikki Anifowoshe, Lola Anifowoshe, Tolu Anifowoshe, Kashope Anifowoshe, Folashayo Anifowoshe and 5 great grandchildren. Also left to cherish
Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 9/25/2017 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Service: 9/26/2017 at 11:00 AM - Progressvie C.O.G.I.C. - 3205 Adams Street, Denver, Colorado
Cemetery: 9/26/2017 - Fairmount Cemetery - 430 South Quebec Street, Denver, CO
Family Gathering: 9/26/2017 at 2:00 PM - Boys and Girls Club - 3333 Holly Street Denvr, Colorado