Ola Mae Senter

Born on the 28th of January in St. Louis, Missouri under the astrological sign of Aquarius (Adventurous, Innovative, Rebellious, Independent, Humanitarian, Original….). Ola took the reins of life with deep and abiding faith and enthusiastically rode it until the early morning hours of August 28, 2022. Ola was the seventh child of 10 children (5 sisters and 4 brothers) born to the marital union of Marcellus W. Watkins and Lucille Settlers Watkins. Fiercely independent and self-motivated along with nurturing from her family, Ola developed academically, socially, and spiritually to triumph over life’s challenges. After graduating from Sumner High School, she completed a secretarial school program at Los Angeles Business College in CA and later excelled at elective courses at St. Louis Community College to help advance in her career. Ola enjoyed a distinguished 30 - year career with the US Government; working for the Veterans Administration for most of that time supporting veterans as a benefits counselor. Her diligence, concern, and professionalism earned her multiple awards as well as the respect of her clients, colleagues, and associates alike. Deeply committed to promoting family unity, she married Harold E. Senter in May of 1956 and created their own little circle of love with the addition of their 3 children, Brandon, Karolyn (Pidge), and Mark. The circle was expanded to later include her two beloved granddaughters, Lauren and April, and just when she thought her work as a grandmother was done, Riley and Reina made her great. Ola’s spiritual journey began early in the AME church of her parents, she converted to Catholicism as a young adult and raised her family in that tradition until she found her permanent spiritual home at Unity Christ Church devoting her life to living in accordance with the teachings of Christ. Ola was active in her community with altruistic pursuits as well as social engagements and fun with the Swinging seniors dance performance group from Monsanto YMCA before slowing down. Preceding her in death: Her parents, 8 of her 9 siblings (Lewin Watkins, Evelyn Clay, Imogene Watkins, Marcellus Watkins Jr., Laverne Pollard, Lucille (Penny) Baker, Ethel Walton & Calvin Watkins), husband, Harold Senter, and firstborn son, Brandon Senter. Holding her in our hearts forever: Daughter, Dr. Karolyn Senter, Son, Mark Senter, Daughter in Law, Connie J. Senter, Granddaughters, Lauren Senter, April Senter Ratliff (Mario), Great granddaughters, Riley J. Ratliff and Reina C. Ratliff. Brother, Melvin J. Watkins. Nieces, Geraldine Ford, Diane Keys, and Donna Hood. God Daughter, Kara Keys, and a host of other beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends.

Ola Mae Senter

January 28, 1931 - August 28, 2022