Lonovia Sosivu Caldwell passed away at the age of 83, on January 17, 2024 in Bluffton, South Carolina. She was a beloved mother, cousin, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Lonovia was born on August 19, 1940, in Bonneau, South Carolina. As a young child, she moved to New Haven, Connecticut, where she attended Wilbur Cross High School, then later attended University of Connecticut where she majored in biology, but later realized that art and spirituality was her true passion in life.
By fully embracing her creative side she let her many skills blossom. As a city spirit artist, she worked many years as a workshop leader, muralist, graphic artist and art teacher. She became a talented seamstress making clothes for others and herself, even creating her daughter’s wedding dress. During Christmas, she would spend countless hours making extravagant boxes filled with baked goods, gifts and homemade cards. However, her creativity did not stop there as she created art designs for Kwanzaa. Each with their mesmerizing patterns and rich colors, symbolizing different things in the holiday. She was able to decorate over 100 products with her Kwanzaa art designs, which can be found here. Her artist name was Sosivu.
When it came to her spirituality, Lonovia would create beautiful altars that reflected the spirit of Africa, the great mother and initiation. While living in New Haven, she was a regular participant in the African village in upstate New York and attended magical classes at Yale given by the Professor of African art and religion. She also has a book in manuscript about her journeys to west Africa and Peru entitled To All My ancestors Ashe!
In her free time, Lonovia enjoyed playing spades or scrabble with her family and was always eager to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with others. When not with her family she dedicated her time to personal art projects and tending to her plants.
Lonovia is survived by her loving daughter, Michelle, her grandchildren, Asa, Donnell, Zaria and Ayanna and her great- grandchildren, Jayden, Jaylen, Jerome Jr, Jeremiah, Jayvon, Jaychelle and Jaynelle. Her memory will forever be cherished by all who knew her