I was in Hortense's Covenant Group during The Academy for Spiritual Formation at Mercy Center a few years ago.  She was the "spiritual mother" of our group, full of wisdom, inspiration and grace.  She spoke seldom, listened deeply, and when she did speak WE listened deeply.   She had a special relationship with a tree on the campus and I gave her a framed photo of her and her tree.  

Hortense led a Bible study group at Shattuck Ave. UMC.  When the church closed, the group continued, meeting in members' homes, and it continues today (2017).  Just as Mr. Melton describes above, she was our spiritual mother and her work was well done since it has lasted so long with no  affiliation to a church congregation to support it.