01/07/2025
The storytelling world lost one of its greats, Ms. Angela Lloyd. Angela passed away on January 5, 2025, due to complications from pneumonia.
Angela was truly a whimsical, funny, thought provoking and memorable storyteller. Her music was part of her stories and created an experience that most remembered long after the telling. More than that, she was a kind-hearted and generous soul. On many occasions I would see Angela at a storytelling event where she wasn’t on the bill but she came out because she loved stories and supporting her friends. During the events where I got to work with her, her support and spirit were palpable.
On a personal note, I first saw Angela on stage at the Pearson Park Amphitheatre in Anaheim where she was doing a one-woman show. I was blown away by this whimsical storyteller with the washboard, the autoharp, the kazoo and the sunbrella. Until that night I had never seen a professional storyteller. That was probably 30 years ago and I remember it still. Her stories embodied her spirit and made every member of the audience feel connected to her. A few years later I was at a Southern California Storytelling Swap meet and took a workshop with Angela. She said she had her best advice to pass on, and I grabbed my notebook to write it down. That advice was to always blow your nose before going on stage. We all laughed, yet good advice. I still blow my nose just before I get in front of any audience. And I think Angela would like to know that I think of her.
Angela was a storyteller at a storytelling series I produced for 4 years called SASS. She did an evening of beautiful stories. She was also fun to work with, professional and also silly, and wowed the room with her songs and stories. At other times I got to share the stage with Angela at events and her support was incredible. I feel lucky that I had the opportunity to tell her about seeing her in Pearson Park and the spark it ignited within me to participate in storytelling. She was encouraging to continue offering up storytelling monthly on Zoom. When the lock down hit, Angela was someone who learned how to manage events on Zoom. She would tell, she would also be a Zoom tech for others who might need it. I always believed her goal was to help where she was needed, whatever that might look like.
For those who want to find out more, please visit Angela’s website at angelalloyd.com. If you want to be with others who worked with her regularly, the group YES (Youth Educators and Storytellers) will have a free coffee hour on Zoom on January 9th. I’m adding the photo for information. Also, Angela has multiple videos available on Youtube to be able to experience her talent, her heart, her voice. She will be missed.
