Mrs. Lou Genia

Harper-Galloway

Mrs. Lou Genia (Harper) Galloway, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, age 81, of Manassas, VA, passed away on April 6, 2025, at Hospice Center in Aldie, VA. She was born to the union of the late James Jr. and Lillie (Bell) Harper in Lafayette, Alabama, on May 5, 1943.

Her family later moved to Opelika, Alabama, where she spent her childhood, and then to Toledo, Ohio, in the late 1950s, where she would be baptized and become a lifetime member of the Bethel Seventh-Day Adventist Church (presently Parkwood Avenue Seventh-Day Adventist Church). Lou Genia graduated from Macomber Whitney Vocational High School on June 7, 1962. She then went to Penta Career Center, where she started her formal professional development learning. Lou Genia landed a career at Lucas County Children Services, where she dedicated over 27 years of service, ultimately retiring as a Case Worker in 2007. Lou Genia made good friends with her fellow co-workers.

Lou Genia loved attending church, serving the Lord, singing in the choir, bowling, and roller skating with her siblings and friends. Lou Genia met Lawrence Galloway at the Rollercade, where they became best friends. Lou Genia and Lawrence married in February 1965 and built a life together – from this marriage, two beautiful children were born. Lou Genia's deep love for her family will always be remembered. Lou Genia and Lawrence were happily married for 19 years.

Lou Genia was a faithful Christian, a devoted church member, who was kind and caring. She served as Usher Leader, Sabbath School Secretary, Sabbath School Teacher, and Deaconess Leader. She was an active member of the Women's Ministry and attended Adventist Youth Ministry (AYS) meetings. Lou Genia loved to read, and the depth of her expansive knowledge led to many interesting and passionate discussions over the years about the bible, health, and wellness. If you had a question, chances were good that she had an answer. Lou Genia loved getting out and keeping busy. She enjoyed lively conversations about her travels to Scotland (UK) for her son's wedding and California (Universal Studios Hollywood, Rodeo Drive, Marina Del Rey, and Venice Beach), where she would spend quality time with her first grandchild.

Lou Genia engaged in her favorite hobby, sewing, a passion inherited from her mother. Lou Genia was a professional seamstress. She made her wedding dress, tailored coats, and maternity clothes. Her family and friends were happy to get her maternity clothes when she no longer needed them. She also made stylish Deaconess hats for the Deaconess and fashionable Usher dresses for the Ushers. She made an elegant, long, black, formal floor-length dress for her co-worker, and she was very thankful for it.

Lou Genia loved and adored her grandchildren. She went to Ashburn, VA, to look after her grandchildren when she retired. She took her grandchildren to school, daycare, church, karate practice, flag football, football practice, grocery shopping, and out to eat. She also participated in enthusiastic games such as Jenga, Pit, Scrabble, and Uno with her grandchildren. Her grandchildren were very competitive. They wouldn't let her win one game.

Lou Genia made everyone feel welcome. Her selflessness was apparent in how she nurtured and spoiled those she cared about, always thinking of others before herself. She gave no one special treatment, and she treated everyone the same. Throughout her life Lou Genia displayed an enthusiasm for cooking and baking, creating delicious meals for her family and friends. She also enjoyed the holidays, church potlucks, biennial family reunions, summer cookouts, annual family picnics, and pulling names for Christmas gift exchange (a family tradition for over 35 years). Those fortunate enough to be part of her life will remember the warmth and love she brought to every gathering.

Lou Genia leaves behind a legacy of service, love, and strength, characterizing a life well-lived. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. Lou Genia was preceded in death by her mother, Lillie; her father, James Jr.; her brothers Ulysee (Sister-In-Law Valerie Harper) and Sylvester; her sisters Jeanette and Arlene; and her beloved companion dog, Otis.

Lou Genia is survived by her daughter, Calantha; son, Lawrence O. (Rhoma) of Ashburn, VA; and brother, James W III (Aridian) of Fort Wayne, IN; sister, Mae L. Snodgrass; three grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.