Erlener Wright Mason was born on October 22, 1929, to the union of the late Stephen and Nannie Stewart Wright. She departed this life on Sunday, June 24, 2012, at Hospice of the Piedmont in Charlottesville. She was preceded in death by her youngest sister, Charlotte (Pudding) Wright Young and by her husband of 57 years, Joseph Mason. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Louisa, where she dutifully served the Lord in many capacities. She served as the financial secretary for many years, was a deaconess, and then became one of the first women of the church to serve as a deacon. She also served as secretary for the Missionary Society, was a member of the Senior Choir, and was the organizer and director of the Youth Choir. She was the director of the Vacation Bible School, a Sunday school teacher, and also served on the Pulpit Aid. Mrs. Mason received her formal education from Louisa Training School in Louisa. She matriculated at Virginia Union University and received her B.A. degree in English in 1952. She was a teacher in Louisa County Public Schools for 34 years beginning at Shelfar and Ferncliff Elementary schools, and continuing as an English teacher at A.G. Richardson and Louisa County High Schools. She was a Past Matron of Rebecca Chapter 124 Order of Eastern Star. Mrs. Mason also worked with the Santa Council, was a member of the Home Demonstration Club and attended the Betty Queen Intergenerational Center and participated in activities there until her health failed. Erlener is survived by two daughters, Joanne Mason Thomasson (James) of Hampton, and Cassandra Mason Richardson (Lewis) of Goose Creek, South Carolina; one son, William Mason (Jewel) of Keswick; eight grandchildren, Arhonda (ChaCha) Henderson (Carlos Sr.), Deidra Wells (Wendell), Kirk Thomasson (Sharell), Andre and Janelle Mason, Shanna, LaTorria and Tanisha Richardson; 10 great-grandchildren, Jordan and Carlos Henderson Jr., Trinity, Deja, Wendell and Kendell Wells, Takeya and Kirk Thomasson Jr., Derek Bonds Jr., and Olivia Mason; two sisters, Julia Wright Johnson, Daphne Wright Johnson (Lenwood); two brothers, Carl Wright and Robert (Steve) Wright (Louise); one sister-in-law, Alma Mason; one brother-in-law, Walter (Geezil) Young; one aunt, Pearl Lena Thurston; one uncle, Russell Stewart (Mary); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends. Viewing will be held from 12 until 7 p.m. with family receiving visitors from 5 until 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 30 at Thomasson Watson Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 1 at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Bruce Jones officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.