AlesCIA Ann Locke-Clavin, a Gifted Voice, Dies at 52

Alescia Ann Locke-Calvin died on Feb. 12. A funeral service will be held Friday, Feb. 25 at 1 p.m. at the Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church, 3138 N. Vancouver Ave. in Portland.

She was born on Dec. 25, 1958 to Stephen C. and Alice Whitney-Locke, in Portland, Ore.

Alescia joined Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church at an early age, under the Leadership of Dr. and Mrs. O.B. Williams. Alescia came from an extensive musically gifted family. She showed talent and a passion for music early in life. As a teen, Alescia sang in the Youth Choir and later the Inspirational Choir. She also represented Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church in the Union District Baptist Association and General Baptist Convention of the Northwest. In the history book "Oh How I Love Jesus," Alescia was listed as one of the "Gifted Voices of Vancouver Avenue."

After graduating from Washington High School in 1977, Alescia received a scholarship and attended Mt Hood Community College. She auditioned for the Broadway show, "Ain't Misbehavin'" and received rave reviews in the media. She and her sister Pauline joined a gospel choir, Love Congregation, under the leadership of Willie Binns.

In 1976, Alescia met and later married Leslie Calvin Sr. To this union was born Casandra Calvin-Elliott, Celeste Calvin and Leslie Calvin Jr. In early 2003, she relocated to New Orleans, Louisiana where she joined Stronger Hope Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor J.C. Profit Jr. While in New Orleans, she continued to share her musical gift.

Alescia took pride in planning the annual Whitney-Scott Thanksgiving dinners. She was extremely creative and an excellent cook, which she learned from her mother Alice and her grandmother Louise. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina sent Alescia and her family back to Portland. She rejoined Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor J.W. Matt Hennessee, where she participated in the Reunion Choir, under the direction of Raymond Burell III.

She was preceded in death by her Mother Alice Whitney- Hill and her father Stephen C. Locke Jr. She leaves to cherish her memories her husband, Leslie Calvin Sr., Stepfather, Ernest Hill III, Brother Stevie Locke-Holladay, Sister, Pauline Roberts, Brother, Stephen C. Locke III, Children, Casandra Calvin-Elliott (Marvin), Celeste Calvin, Leslie Calvin Jr., grandchildren Kai'Dryn , Areion, Jody and Aaleysia, Mother-in-law, Mary Helen Calvin, Brothers-in-law, Larry Miller and Otha Calvin Jr., Sisters-in-law, Linda Calvin-Johnson, Shirley Powell, Brenda Kaye Calvin, Margret LaVerne Calvin-Brewer and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews cousins and friends.