Lena Rene (Carney) Ferguson

Lena Rene’ Carney Ferguson (Rene or Mama Ferg) was
born in Irene, Louisiana on May 16, 1945. Later, she
moved to Scotlandville, Louisiana, where she graduated
from Scotlandville High School. After completing her
education at a business college, Lena began her career
at City National Bank as a Teller. Later, she attended
nursing school and worked at Earl K. Long Medical
Center, where she specialized in caring for neonatal
babies. Years later, she returned to banking and
retired as a Loan Officer from Southern Teachers and
Parents Credit Union.
Rene was sociable and enjoyed spending her free time
outdoors, either gardening or fishing. She was a die-
hard football fan and loved supporting the New
Orleans Saints and Southern University Jaguars. Lena
was known for her kind and compassionate personality;
she always went above and beyond to help those in
need. She had a remarkable impact on everyone she met,
leaving behind a trail of kind words and positive
energy. She was known for her culinary skills,
particularly her cornbread dressing and red beans
and rice, which were loved by many.
Lena married James A. Ferguson, who was
affectionately known as “Ferg” or “Sweet Black,” on
September 9, 1978. She was a loving mother to two
beautiful daughters, Michell Rene’ Carney and Yvette
La’Shay Ferguson. She also provided unwavering love
and guidance to her granddaughters, Eboni O'Neal and
Ivori Carney, helping them become the best versions of
themselves.
Mama Ferg passed to her heavenly home on March 7,
2024, at Our Lady of Lake Medical Center. She was
survived by her sister, Bettie Collins; her sister-in-law,
Barbara Burgess; her daughters, Michell Rene’ Carney
and Yvette Ferguson; her bonus daughters Gwendolyn
Tate (Alfego), Cassandra Ferguson, Karen Bailey (Wade),
and Yolanda Freeman (Harvey); and a host of
grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews
and loved ones.
Janie Carney and Henderson Carney, her parents,
preceded her in death, along with her siblings
Henderson Carney, Jr, Emily Wallace, and Jannie Tuggle,
and the love of her life, James Ferguson

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lena Rene (Carney) Ferguson, please visit our floral store.