Sista LeOla Peatinkle is a character!

BY DEXTER MCCREE, Feature Writer

ST. PETERSBURG – Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to introduce you to Sista LeOla Peatinkle. She is a Christian comedic character who’s affiliated with The First Ark of Noah Temple of the Pentecostal Cathedral Chapel of Lamentation by the Red Sea Missionary Baptist Church led by the good Rev. Doc Passup Ben Can’t Get Write.

This character’s factious church schedule is as chaotic as the name of the church she attends. There’s the “Rihanna Hour Bibble Study” with A. Possum Jones; praise dance rehearsal with no poles; “cry” rehearsal where she’s asking Sister “No Note” not to attend, and she knows who she is.

During happy hour, this mock church serves chilled Ensure on the rocks and Wuship Service is from 10:59 a.m. to 1:12 p.m. with Passup Ben Can’t Get Write.

Earlier this month, Sista Peatinkle made an appearance at Kissin’ Cuzzins restaurant adorned in a floral print dress that, let’s just say, didn’t hide her rear end. She sashayed throughout the crowd of patrons, with bold blue lips, accented by a silver chain strapped around her neck to support her old lady glasses that lay tilted on her face. As she entered, the restaurant patrons cheered and clapped as her gigantic smile lit up the room.

This was her second meet and greet event. Her aim is to bring people together from all walks of life with a spiritual connection and to give back to the community. Her goal is to touch the hearts of everyone she meets.

Remonica Anderson-Warren, the soul behind Sista LeOla Peatinkle, is a Christian comedian who enjoys being around people and making them laugh. When she’s not cracking people up, you can find her working as a student assistant at the downtown campus of St. Petersburg College (SPC).

Born and raised in St. Pete, she graduated from Northeast High School. She worked as a certified nursing assistant prior to becoming a licensed practical nurse where she worked for 10 years at Palms of Pasadena Hospital before joining SPC.

So where did Sista LeOla Peatinkle come from?

Anderson-Warren debuted her alter ego at a family hosted Halloween party for grown-ups. Along with a deejay and adult foods and prizes, there was a contest for best costumes. She put on her best old lady dress and strapped on a wig, and Sista LeOla came to life. Her inspiration came from things she’d witness at numerous family gatherings.

“Sista LeOla is a breath of fresh air. She brings laughter and words of wisdom. This is truly needed in the wake of all the bigotry and hatred our country is experiencing,” stated Velma Thompson, SPC testing coordinator.

Anderson-Warren randomly selected several patrons at the restaurant and paid for their breakfast. She said she is motivated by one of her favorite scriptures, Hebrews 13:2 that states: “Don’t neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it.” (Christian Standard Bible)

You may not get much of a worship experience at The First Ark of Noah Temple of the Pentecostal Cathedral Chapel of Lamentation by the Red Sea Missionary Baptist Church led by the good Rev. Doc. Passup Ben Can’t Get Write, but if laughter is what you’re after, check her out on Facebook @p2thetinkle.

To reach Dexter McCree, email dmccree@theweeklychallenger.com