Remembering Serena
A life held close in memory
Serena Ann Spider was born on August 8, 1996 in Pine Ridge, SD to Edward Lorenzo Spider and Verine Ann (Iron Boy) Black Elk. Serena made her journey to the Spirit World on May 3, 2023 at the Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City, SD.
Serena is survived by her mother, Verine Ann Iron Boy-Black Elk; father, Edward Lorenzo Spider; step-father, Richard G. Black Elk; daughters, Neveah Rain, Gabriella Love Spider, and Ryleigh Katy Black Elk; sons, Evan James Spider & Joshua Paul Wanamaker; siblings, Valentino James Iron Boy, Joseph Walter Black Elk, and Cody Spider; grandparents, Emerson, Jr. and Sandra Spider; aunt, Vestana Lou Iron Boy; uncle, Marvin Iron Boy, Jr.; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, & nephews.
Serena was preceded in death by her great-great grandparents, Jacob & Mabel (Looking Horse) Iron Boy; great grandparents, James & Mary Esther (Porcupine) Iron Boy, William & Emily (Kills In Water) High Hawk; grandparents, Marvin Walter Iron Boy, Sr. and Geraldine Katy Kills Crow Indian/High Hawk-White Face, Emerson Spider, Sr. and Eliza (Swallow) Spider; grandfather, Melvin White Face and Isaac “Ike” Iron Boy; aunts, Marvina Iron Boy, Amanda Iron Boy, Philomena Iron Boy, Lucille M. Lone Elk, Charlene Garcia, and Lita Fire Thunder-Running Hawk; uncles, Bluch Fire Thunder, Jr. and Harlan Fire Thunder, Dale and Duane Fire Thunder; and cousins, Marvin “Joe” Brave III, Franklin Brave, and Tyrell Boydd Bull Bear.
Pallbearers will be Cole Bear Killer, CJ Black Elk, Jr., Joseph Black Elk, Valentino Iron Boy, Tad High Hawk, and Dylan D. Tobacco.
Honorary pallbearers will be Kristen, Kirsten, and Kyra Clifford & Families, Shania and Sarita Spider & Families, Tiana Bear Killer-DuBray & Family, Cody Spider, Michael Lee Spider, Jr. & Family, Craig and Katrina Chase, Quentin & Brian “Olie” Lone Elk, Brianna Lone Elk, Brenda Spider & Family, Sandra Spider, Louise Spider, Marvin Iron Boy, Jr. & Family, Jennifer & Mitchell Long & Family, Dave Swallow, Jr., Stacey Chase In Winter & Family, Luci Fire Thunder & Family, Leah Fire Thunder & Family, Clayton Fire Thunder, Ryan & Denise Black Elk & Family, Nathalie “Sissy” Elk, Althea DeClay & Family, AV Fire Thunder, Tanya Jealous of Him, Lisa LaDeaux-Looks Twice & Family, Jessica White Butterfly & Family, Ashley LaPointe, Melissa O’Daniel, David Swallow III, Monique Ziolkowsky, Janet Pierce E. North Wendy’s Crew Members, All Staff of Pennington County Drug Court, Roads Out-Patient Treatment & Keystone Treatment Centers, I am Legacy Peer Support Group, MMIW, and All Friends & Relatives.
Wake Services: Two night wake service starting at 4:00 PM, Friday, May 12, 2023 at the Porcupine School Gym in Porcupine, SD
Funeral Services: 1:00 PM, Sunday, May 14, 2023 at the Porcupine School Gym in Porcupine, SD
Officiating: Minister Cyrus Black Elk, Sr.
Traditional Lakota Services: David Swallow, Jr. and Jarrett Jealous of Him
Native American Church: Emerson Spider, Jr.
Burial Services: St. Luke’s Episcopal Cemetery, Sharp’s Corner, SD
Shared moments