Naomi Dennis

On August 12, 1935, in the small town of Opelousas, Louisiana, Joseph H. Stephens and Willie Net Finley experienced another miracle with the birth of a baby girl – Naomi Dennis (born Naomi Stephens). The 3rd of four siblings, Naomi would spend her early years in Opelousas under the care of her grandparents Benjamin and Stella Strickney while her parents traveled to California in search of a better life. The time spent with her grandparents would prove foundational in establishing the importance of love and family cohesiveness. After settling in Los Angeles, California, the family’s summers would be spent traveling back to Opelousas where Naomi would continue to learn from the examples set by her grandparents and develop a love for traveling – visiting many states and countries with friends and family alike. Naomi received her primary education from St. Leo’s Catholic School and David Starr Jordan High School; and her post-secondary education from Southwest College before taking employment with The Pacific Telephone company until her retirement in 1991.

Naomi was a very loving & caring soul, often availing her to assist when and where she saw fit - and earning herself the nickname “Sister Theresa.” She developed a reputation of be first to arrive and last to leave when it came to family dinners, events, hosting and the like. Family and friends would often gather at her now legendary home on 95th St where the card games, music, food and laughter never stopped. While her loving nature was in abundance, many could argue that no one received more of it than her beloved son, Nathaniel Morgan Jr. Endearing referred to as “Nat,” Naomi’s love for her son was unending, from her maternal duties to supporting his ambitions and actualization as a master musician.

Naomi moved from Los Angeles to Rialto, California to enjoy a retirement filled with bowling, line dancing, world travel and enjoying time with friends and family. She joined Rialto United Methodist Church where she served as a dedicated member of the church’s community outreach programs, including the 2008 founding of the Clothes Closet Program. She worked alongside her dear friends Minnie and her late husband Louis Jackson, who were the founders of A New Day Food Program. Together they clothed and fed hundreds of people. Some were homeless, others were financially disadvantaged, but they never left hungry or in need of clothing. Naomi's Clothes Closet Program was an incredible service to so many people providing everything from socks to suits. Donations poured in, sometimes overwhelming Naomi, but she was a great organizer and would have it together overnight in some cases. Naomi made it a personal experience for those who were seeking employment. Often buying items with her personal funds. The Clothes Closet Program was closed due to the Pandemic in 2019, but the love shown to all who knew Naomi will live forever.

Naomi is preceded in death by her mother, Willie Net Finley; brother, William Maxie Charles and son, Nathaniel Morgan Jr. She leaves a legacy of family, love and devotion to her five grandchildren, Darius Nathaniel Johnson, Nyamekye Bomani Morgan, Jabari Lateef Morgan, Doris Naomi Morgan, Yusuf Sabiti Morgan of Los Angeles, California; Her brother Joseph “Bonny” Stephens of Rancho Cucamonga; and Her sister Stella Martin of Compton, California. She also leaves to cherish her memory seven loving great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.