The Lady of Love and Hospitality!

On August 16, 2021, God called to rest one of his angels, Naomi Sweetenberg-Gray, so that his sweet child would suffer no more. Naomi was the youngest daughter born to Haskel William and Harriett Elizabeth Simpson Sweetenberg on November 5, 1938, in Roanoke, Virginia.

Naomi was baptized at an early age, attending Ebenezer Baptist Church in Kingstown, Virginia. She grew up singing in the choir that her mother played piano for and directed. Naomi attended Roanoke County Public Schools and graduated in 1958 from Carver High School in Salem, Virginia.

After high school, Naomi helped her mother around the house and worked various jobs in Roanoke until falling in love with John Epps. After they were married, they moved to Washington D.C. In that union, two daughters were born, Georgianna and Nancy Epps. After the marriage, Naomi remained in DC with her two daughters and nearby family members. She went back to school while working various jobs. Naomi gained a job in the D.C. Government Employment Services where she advanced to the position of Man-Power Development Specialist. She referred residents for training and job interviews. Naomi loved her job, meeting and helping people until she retired in 2005.

Ma was a true southern cook and loved to cook for her family and anyone that stopped by. Naomi took time to look her best, sitting at the stove pressing and curling her hair. She would dress from head to toe, with a matching pocketbook, wherever she went. You would often find her in her favorite chair, coloring pretty pictures with crayons or markers. When her grandkids and great-grandkids came to visit GG, she would have them coloring and she always had prayer books for them to learn more about Jesus. Naomi loved the Lord and wherever she went she would talk to people about the Bible and her love of God.

Naomi met and married Elvis Lutz Jr. and they moved to Fairfax County where she joined him at his church, Warner Baptist. After her marriage ended, she later attended and joined Healing Temple under the leadership of Pastor Jimmy Little.

Naomi met and married Bishop Howard Gray and joined Golden Church of God in Prophecy, where she was a faithful member. After the Bishop's passing, she became a Minister under the leadership of Bishop R. Jackson.

I remember my mother at the doctor's office, talking to people about her love of Jesus. She always wanted everyone to hear about the word of God. She would call you and tell you to be dressed and ready for church if you planned on going with her. She would give people in her passing church cards, offering to pick them up for church so they could travel together. Naomi loved people and people loved her. Most of all she loved her family, near and far, and would call them just to say hello. Naomi loved to explore and traveled all over the world (except Australia) and often spoke of her journeys. She sang with the community choir in Alexandria, Virginia.

Naomi is survived by two daughters; Georgianna and Nancy Epps, her adopted son, Shawn Johnfiah (Diane); two brothers, Charles (Ann) Sweetenberg and Ernest (Norma) Sweetenberg; two granddaughters, Tajuana and Sharmaine Epps, grandson Dionte Johnfiah, four great-grandchildren; Daisha Galloway, Jailen Oliphant, Laila Meyers, and Jaikia Oliphant; two special granddaughters, Jakayra Sweetenberg and Alexis Accosta and three special grandsons; Brandon, Andrew, and Tevin Price; sisters in law, Georgia Journette, Frozie Gibson, Inez Addison, Diane Lutz, Virginia Sweetenberg and Juanita Williams; three stepchildren,  Howard (Evelyn), Gary (Sonya), Teresa (Rina) Jackson.

Naomi cherished her many lifetime friends; Veronica Brown, Julia Ingleton, Lucille Hillard, Oleada Washington, William Whitehead, the late Marian Parker, Lewis Sweetenberg, and Edith Wilson. Her family includes a host of other grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, whom she treasured. Mother had multiple foster sisters that she loved dearly and was active in their lives.

Naomi was preceded in death by her parents, 7 brothers Haskel Jr., Morris, Isaiah, Floyd, John Allen, William Clayton, and Lucian, Sr. and 5 Sisters Etta, Helen, Lula Mae, Arlease, and Nancy.

The family gratefully appreciates and acknowledges the many acts of kindness and beautiful expressions of sympathy shown during this time. Your prayers and words of consolation have been strength for us. God bless you with Love.

Funeral Services will be held at Valley Funeral Home on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at 12 NOON with Rev. Lee A. Pusha, Jr.,  officiating. The family will begin receiving friends from 11:00 am until the time of service. Interment will follow in Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery. Services entrusted to Valley Funeral and Cremation Services. All patrons are asked to wear a face covering.

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