Born in Birmingham, Alabama and reared in a warm and loving home, Laurenna Y. Crenshaw the oldest daughter of Deborah Chappell attended the public schools of Birmingham, Alabama. She graduated from J.H. Phillips High School in 1985. At the tender age of nineteen, in 1987 she married the Reverend George D. Crenshaw, left the familiarity of home and moved to Indianapolis, Indiana. While there she served faithfully alongside her husband in ministry. The couple later moved to Cheraw, South Carolina, where she became a full time student graduating with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina, A middle school teacher by training. She carries a special love for youth and children alike. She has served as YAMS Coordinator via Atlanta District. She believes God has a tremendous plan for women and every woman must know God’s will and direction for her life. She has served in several district and annual conference capacities. For 20 plus, she has served as Coordinator of Y’s for the WH&OMS in both South Carolina and Georgia via the Atlanta District. Mrs. Crenshaw’s vision for youth ministry provides a place for teens to belong, become and bear witness to the goodness of the Lord. During her time in Cheraw, she initiated the Rites of Passage Journey for the Y’s a six month endeavor to include six phases of development, historical tours, and of course food, faith and fun. She has been a voting delegate for six general conferences as well as attended World Methodist Conferences in Brighton England, Seoul Korea and Sydney Australia. Teaching is her passion. Whether professionally as she has worked with teen moms teaching language arts, parenting skills to welfare moms or life skills to middle schoolers. She was awarded Teacher of the Year for the State of South Carolina-Communities in Schools Program. Currently, a Preschool Director who smiles at God’s timing and sense of humor. A quiet spirit, but place a Bible in her hand and the teacher emerges. Through her genuine, transparent messages laced with southern charm and personal stories, she brings the Word of God real and relevant. As a storyteller, she’s convinced God uses her quirks to provide modern illustrations for His timeless truths. Her sense of humor brings down walls by allowing the Word to penetrate every heart. Her evangelistic style moves hearts toward Christ and His saving grace. On July 23, 2016, during the 50th Quadrennial Session of the AME Zion Church, her husband was elected the 103rd Bishop in line of succession and was assigned to the newly established Central Southern Africa Episcopal District. As the Missionary Supervisor, she provides inspiration and guidance to the missionaries of East/West Angola, Zimbabwe, South Africa and India Annual Conferences.

She is the mother of two children Quentin DeWayne and Kennedy Diane. She enjoys reading, music, traveling and has a love for interior decorating. Family is her first ministry. She loves to cook and craft. She is a Life Member of the NAACP, Life Member of the Connectional Lay Council A.M.E. Zion Church and Member of International Ministers Wives, Widow(er)s & Spouses A.M.E. Zion Church, a member of NAEYC, Toastmasters International and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Mrs. Crenshaw lives by her favorite quote, “Life isn’t about finding yourself it is about discovering who God created you to be.”