In Memory of Rev. Walter LeFlore (January 26, 1952 – August 12, 2024)
We offer our condolences to the family and colleagues of the Rev. Walter S. LeFlore who died on August 12, 2024, at the age of 72.
Walter was born on January 26, 1952, in Schenectady, NY to George LeFlore and Marzella Goode LeFlore. He was the youngest of six children, enjoyed school, and found his way into a range of activities and friendships.
Walter received his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of New Hampshire in 1975 following which he worked in a variety of positions that required him to assume administrative or personnel-related functions in public settings. He was an Assistant City Manager briefly before working as the Director of Labor Relations/Personnel for a Municipal Association. He then worked as a Human Resource employee at the Digital Equipment Corp where his focus was diversity training. In 1986, he started an organizational consulting practice focusing on change management, diversity as an organizational development tool, and team development for major corporations. Over the years of consulting, he became discouraged about the readiness and capability of people to do serious diversity work.
Curious and wary, Walter eventually came to the First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, MA. He quickly integrated himself into the life of the church community, taught a multi-session adult education offering entitled “Living Your Spirituality,” and became an integral driving force in the successful launch of the small group ministry program. Furthermore, he served on the board of the Small Group Ministry Network, led workshops for the RE program and Leadership Development initiative, and served on the Board of Trustees. This active lay leadership helped him understand both congregational polity and the role of the minister in the governance of a congregation. He realized that his efforts to build a more humane world paralleled the values and objectives of the UU ministry. He wanted to create a supportive community that engaged in self-reflection and discovery as a UU minister. In 2009, he graduated with his Master of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School. He interned at All Souls Church in Washington, DC as well as summer minister at First Church in Boston, MA.
Rev. LeFlore was ordained on May 8, 2011. In 2011, he accepted a call from the UU Fellowship of Poughkeepsie, NY where he would serve until 2019. His eight years of ministry offered the Fellowship strong leadership in the areas of stewardship, pastoral care, worship, and repairing relationships. He led a “Deepening Spirit” class, and classes on UU history along with new member orientations. Significantly, he formed a group called the Caring Circle to aid in Pastoral Care. Thereafter, he served as a developmental minister at the UU Church of Roanoke, VA (2020-2024). He brought his skills and insights to congregations to help them become truly welcoming.
Rev. LeFlore was an advocate for justice and the equal worth and dignity of every person, with his interest in diversity and equity starting in high school. As a Black man, he used his life experience to help others go deeper within themselves exploring questions of race and oppression. He was well-versed in denominational affairs and took a very active and public role in denominational activities. He served on the UUMA board and was part of the ARAOMC (Anti-racism, Anti-oppression, Multiculturalism) committee and CAROM Committee of the UUMA. In 2014, he received the Goodman Award issued by the Director of the UUA Office of Church Staff Finances. He contributed an essay to the book Centering: Navigating Race, Authenticity, and Power in Ministry writing in part: “It is important for us as ministers and people of color to know how to navigate systems; to know how to find, identify, and make use of systemic strengths and weaknesses; and to know where the leverage points are that have the greatest potential for creating positive change.”
Rev. LeFlore was active in the Poughkeepsie Plenty Food Coalition to address food insecurity in the area. He was president of the Dutchess County Interfaith Council and was one of the founding members of the Roanoke, VA Reparations Group.
He enjoyed time in the woods birding and being present to the smells and sounds. He had particular affection/connection with hawks and birds of prey. Playing saxophone was another source of enjoyment and relaxation for him. He had a lifelong passion for his aquariums and gardening.
Walter is preceded in death by his parents George and Marzella LeFlore; brothers, Louis LeFlore, Dr. James LeFlore and Ray LeFlore; sister, Florence Nicholson Anderson and daughter Elisha Inferrara.
Walter is survived by his wife, Yvette LeFlore; his two children: Alison LeFlore and Eric LeFlore (Audrey); grandchildren: Nicholas Inferrara, Joseph Inferrara, and Elias LeFlore; brother: Ivens LeFlore; and his two sisters: Loretta Wells and Pat Francois.
A celebration of life service was held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Roanoke on August 24th. A second celebration of life service was held at 2 pm on September 14, 2024, at the First Parish Church of Stow, 353 Great Rd, Stow, MA 01775.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Roanoke Reparations Group. Checks can be sent to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Roanoke, 2015 Grandin Rd SW, Roanoke, VA 24015. Please mention Reparations in the memo line.
Notes of condolences may be written here.