When L. A. Sellers died in Korea in 1952, many saw him as just one more casualty of the world's longest-running police action.
But his mother, Edith Lovie Sellers, was a strong-willed woman determined to keep the memory of her son - and all those who died in the Korean Conflict - alive.
Mrs. Sellers used her son's insurance proceeds to purchase a plot of land in Corona, and built her house there. And so she lived until the city of Corona knocked on her door in 2001, looking to build an affordable housing complex.
Though surrounded by run-down duplexes and seedy fourplexes, the elderly Mrs. Sellers was in no hurry to sell her home. Even as city officials bought surrounding buildings and developed plans to build the complex around her home, she refused to budge.
Then came the deal!
By creating a life estate for Mrs. Sellers, she was able to stay in the home for the rest of her life and live there for free. The city bought the property, took over payments and taxes, and agreed to dedicate the property to her son.
With the final touches now being put into place, we're proud to announce the dedication being posted on the site where this devoted mother spent the last half of her life. Visit us in Corona and you'll find Mrs. Sellers love enshrined in the plaque that reads:
"In honor of all Korean War veterans and those of the 40th "Grizzly" Infantry Division, California National Guard. With a special recognition to all gold star mothers.
Placed here by the family of A.L. Sellers, KIA Korea 1952. Special thanks to KDF Communities, LLC, and the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Corona."
