LOS ANGELES — When Louvenia Jenkins purchased a home in Pacific Palisades in 1967, she became one of the first Black residents in the burgeoning community, and for nearly 60 years she filled the house with memories of her life as an educator and her travels with her mother, and the many honors she received for her work as a teacher and mentor.

But on Jan. 7, those memories were turned to ash by the Palisades Fire, and she was left to start her life over at age 97.

A trailblazing educator in the Los Angeles Unified School District and creator of a scholarship that has provided opportunities for young Black students to attend college, Jenkins has long stood as a champion for the community. Last year, students at Santa Monica College produced a documentary about her life and her longtime work to uplift all those around her.

And even with her home and memories now reduced to rubble, her spirit has not wavered.

On Tuesday, Jenkins — who is now staying at an assisted living facility in Culver City — was honored by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for her lifetime of service and the strength of will that has kept her moving forward despite the loss she endured in the fire.

"Her spirit and her strength remain resilient," Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said during the brief presentation Tuesday. "Today as we acknowledge the loss of her physical home, we also celebrate the enduring love, strength and community that defines her life. Let us honor Louvenia's legacy by continuing to spread the warmth and compassion she has always given so freely.

"Lou, thank you for everything you have done for our community. Please let us know how we can support you in the ways you have given so much to all of us."

Firmly gripping a cane in her left hand, Jenkins shuffled slowly to the microphone to thank Horvath for the recognition, saying it was "very hard to find the words to express my appreciation."

"I never felt that I would be in this position, but like the phoenix, I shall rise, with all of your help and all of your blessings," she said.

Horvath presented Jenkins with a scroll honoring her life's work as a teacher and mentor to young students. She noted that Jenkins had received many certificates over the years from the city of Los Angeles honoring her work, and all were lost in the fire.

"These were certificates acknowledging her many years and her many contributions to Los Angeles and beyond, so we are honored to share this scroll with you today on behalf of Los Angeles County, the first of many going forward," Horvath said. "And we're also going to work with our city partners to see about getting those replaced for you.

"You have been there for so many Angelenos in a time of need, and now LA County, it is our honor to be of service to you at this moment."