The community gathered Sunday to celebrate the life of Lovel Waiters, 58, a local activist, writer, poet and published author, who died May 23.

Waiters was a long-time activist in the San Diego GLBT community. She was a board member of The San Diego LGBT Community Center, volunteered and led writing groups for the Women’s Resource Center, and served as co-chair of the Ebony Pride San Diego board of directors for four years.

Waiters also volunteered with the St. Vincent de Paul “Rolling Readers” program and the San Diego Public Library’s READ/San Diego Literacy program.

“Lovel’s energy and spirit were an incredible addition to the board,” said Delores Jacobs, CEO of The Center. “She was someone who listened carefully to the needs of the community and was always ready to ask, ‘How can I help? How can I make a difference?’ For that and for her never-failing warmth and concern for all, she will be deeply missed.”

Waiters wrote poetry, children’s books and stage scripts. Her published works include two books, The Woman Under the Hat, and Right Place, Right Time. Her poetry was also published in various literary journals.

In 1998, Waiters initiated the Malcolm X Library shut-in service to deliver library materials to patrons who had trouble getting to the library. A long-time member of the African American Writer’s & Artists, Inc., Waiters served as secretary/treasurer from 1999 to 2004. She was the first vice-president of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. San Diego Section from 1994 through1995. In 1995, she was the Honoree for NCNW-San Diego for the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority breakfast.

In recognition of her work, Waiters was named “Woman of the Year” by the National Council of Negro Women and was honored by Ebony Pride.

“Lovel was a beautiful soul, and had a tremendous feeling for her community, family and friends,” said Camille Davidson, a friend of Waiters’. “We are just learning about all of her contributions and creations, because Lovel was extremely modest. Her friendship was and is invaluable, and not a day goes by that she isn’t missed. We lost one of our bright shining stars far too soon.”

Waiters was born in Norfolk, Va., and attended high school at Union Kempsville High. After graduation, she attended Norfolk State University for two years. Leaving Virginia in 1978, she arrived in San Diego and began work as a professional secretary for the Psychology Department at UCSD San Diego. She then entered service with the federal government at the then named Naval Ocean System Command where she served until retiring in February 2008.