Lena Blue Bumgardner was born Leana Mae Blue on June 12, 1944 in South Carolina to Henry and Lulena Blue. She was their only child, and the Blues graciously took in two foster children Wayne Dobbins, and Smokey Dobbins who Lena was proud to call her brothers, who passed before her.

Lena completed her education by graduating from Carver Vocational Technical High School in 1963, majoring in business, with a diploma in Secretarial Science. Those of us who were born and reared here in Baltimore, remember before Popeyes there was Chicken George. Lena worked for the owner as his Executive Assistant. She was proud of her work there and moved on to work for several prominent companies throughout her career including Bendix, General Electric, United Auto Works, MTA, Bowie State University, and PNC Bank.

Lena was dedicated to her family. There's nothing she loved more that to be a part of all the activity that was going on in the family. She was our peace maker, our sense of humor, our rock. She was the one loved us all through any storm, laughed with us through our trips and falls, gave us the much-needed pep talk when we need to get back out there, and a swift kick with love when the pep talk wasn't working. She was a healer, a loving soul a light to all of us who knew and loved her.

Lena was survived her husband Warren Bumgardner; her daughters Ivy Allen and April Kheribot; her three grandchildren Amira Allen, Noah and Aya Kheribot, her beloved God Daughters Shelly and Trina, and her "adopted- daughter" LaTasha. She is also survived by several bother- and sisters-in-law and a host of other close family including uncles and cousins.

Married to Warren Bumgardner for 35 years, Lena had an infectious personality and smile that attracted all people. She was able to connect with anyone and have you smiling and laughing within a few seconds. She gave hope, love and had respect all.

Lena would have been 76 years young today. She was so spirited she never seemed to age. While she was with us, Lena had a "good time," finding joy in the simple things, the mundane things, crazy things we all do as human beings. But mostly she found beauty in everyone and everything around her. She will most fondly be remembered for saying, "Your beautiful." But the truth was, it was she who brought the beauty to our hearts, our families, and our lives. We love you Mama Lena, but God loves you best. Rest in peace