Luressa Heidelberg

On March 10, 1965, the world was blessed with a rare spirit named Luressa Denine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Born to Vivian Valdenia and Elder Alvin Godfrey—both of whom preceded her in death. Luressa’s life was marked from the start by faith, kindness, and an unyielding commitment to serve others. From an early age, she felt a profound yearning for God. At just eleven years old, she took her first step in a lifelong journey of faith, baptized by the late Elder Moses Cunningham during the Passover of 1976. From that moment, Luressa became a devoted servant of the Almighty God.

Her life unfolded as a symphony of grace and purpose, each chapter blending seamlessly into the next. In 1976, she began her work in the church choir and faithfully served with the finance committee under the guidance of Rabbi Jehu A. Crowdy, Sr. Whether raising funds or participating in the junior quorum, Luressa approached every task with joy, embracing the principle that no work for the Kingdom was too small. In 1989, under the pastorship of Rabbi Curtis G. Caldwell, she was appointed Leah of the Daughters Quorum, where she poured her heart and hands into building the Kingdom with love and devotion.

Luressa’s personal life was equally rooted in faith. After a period of courtship, she married Angelo P. Volkens, and together they built a life grounded in love and service. Their union was blessed with six children, and Luressa nurtured each of them with wisdom and grace, planting seeds of faith that continue to flourish. As a mother, she made sure her home was filled with the love of God, guiding her children with kindness and prayer.

Her journey of service extended beyond family life. With a passion for music, she sang with the Quaker City Chorus, lifting her voice in songs of praise. She was also a talented poet, and writer publishing several pieces weaving words into beautiful reflections of faith. Luressa also had a genuine love for history. This deep commitment to preserving history led her to serve for over 30 years as a writer for The Weekly Prophet, where she documented sacred milestones in the Church’s journey.

Education was another pillar of Luressa’s life. She graduated from the Philadelphia High School for Girls, and later pursued higher learning at Temple University. In 1988, she entered the nursing profession, balancing marriage, work, and family with tireless dedication. She later earned a Bachelor of Arts from Eastern College and a Master of Science in Business Administration, specializing in Health Administration. With a spirit eager for growth, she relocated her family to Belleville, Virginia knowing the best was yet to come.

Luressa’s healthcare career spanned 35 years, touching lives through nursing, hospice care, quality assurance, and behavioral health. She also applied her professional skills to church service, offering care and comfort to those in need, especially during the annual gathering in Belleville, VA. Her leadership was evident in roles at Anthem Inc., the American Red Cross, and VITAS. Even after reaching these professional heights, Luressa continued to seek growth, becoming a CPC-certified instructor and pursuing a doctoral degree in Public Health from Capella University.

In 2001, Luressa found love once again, marrying Andrew Heidelberg. Together, they shared years of joy and partnership until his passing in 2015. Throughout her life, Luressa’s heart for service remained unwavering. She served as President of The National Chorus, raised funds for the Church, and contributed to initiatives like the Belleville Historic Preservation Project and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Order of the Eastern Star, Luressa lived by the values of sisterhood and philanthropy.

Music remained a constant companion in her life. She was a composer and wrote several songs. She was dubbed as the “Choir Chaplain” in the Belleville choir and would regularly visit the sick and shut-in, offer prayer, comfort, and joy to those in need. Her life was a reflection of her favorite mottoes: “If I can help somebody… then my living is not in vain,” “To God be the glory,” and “It is well with my soul.” These principles shaped every moment of her journey, and her unshakeable faith in God carried her through life’s triumphs and challenges.

Though the chorus of her life has drawn to a close, the melody she composed lingers in the hearts of all who knew her. Luressa is survived by her beloved children: Stephone Thomas, Isaiah Volkens, Judah Volkens, Angela Volkens, Moshe Volkens, and D’Angela Volkenns; bonus children: Rebecca Madison, Elder Raymond Madison Jr., Rachel Madison, and Ruth Madison-Eaves (Elder Hewell); 8 grandchildren: Serenity, Joseph, Layla, I’yana, Saraia, William, Xavier, and Jayla; Siblings: L. Muriel Locke (Elder Ezra), Valerie Dews-Farrar (Warren), Regina Farrar, L. Miriam “Cindy” Farrar, Jewel Madison (Raymond), Monique Marshall, Lisa Eaves, Alvin Godfrey, Jr. (Millicent), Malinda Taylor, Norma Jean (Barry); Dyan Venter, and Jordan Gold; Godchildren: S.E. Jessica Jefferson, Krista Robinson, Noah Whittom, and Shavonne Nichols, (Penny and Cameron); Sisters-in-law: Pamela Heidelberg, Kathleen and Bernadette Farrar; Sisters-in-love: Dianne Demby, Kim Garland, S.E. Karen Ward and S.E. Tracy McNeil, along with countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

St. Luressa Heidelberg’s life was a tapestry woven with faith, service, and love. She was a wife, mother, sister, nurse, poet, and friend, but above all, she was a humble servant of God. Ready and willing to support the work of the Kingdom at every turn, she embodied grace, dignity, and purpose. Though her earthly journey has ended, her spirit lives on in those she touched