“Miss Lucy” as she is affectionately called, was born in 1924, in the town of Port Allen, Louisiana. She was the youngest of three children and her parents worked hard to rear her in a loving and Christian environment. During World War II, she met the love of her life and was married to him for 58 years before he passed away. Lucy and her husband had three children, one son and two daughters, seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and most recently a great-great grandson. Lucy will celebrate her 100th birthday this May.

Her childhood was spent enjoying her family and traveling on the Mississippi River ferry to Ready Street school and McKinley High School. She earned two degrees from Southern University and A&M College, a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics, and a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration. Lucy started her career as a Home Economics teacher in Franklinton, Louisiana. There she led instruction for over 15 years. While there, she worked with the Washington Parish Free Fair committee to plan and implement the goals and objectives of the fair. She served on many state and national boards to improve the educational needs of children. Many students got to learn cooking, baking, sewing and family development training.

She moved to Baton Rouge with her family become an associate professor at Southern University Laboratory School and served over 20 years until her retirement. She was instrumental in touching the lives of her students and student teachers that she mentored. Her students and student teachers have fun memories and constantly remind her that she empathized being a productive citizen, a positive role model as well as one who has Christian beliefs.

Lucy, her husband, friends and family loved traveling to various locations like New York, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Los Angeles, Alaska, Hawaii, Chicago, Hiltonhead, Savannah, Memphis, and Mexico to name a few. She loved meeting new people and exposing her children and grandchildren to the experiences needed to make them well-rounded as well as life-long learners.

Being a role model for all, she loved making people feel that they could do anything if they kept God in their lives. She loved being a part of the United Methodist Church where she participated in church and community activities. She loved cooking, sewing, and dancing. She is known for helping choreograph dance routines at parties and family get to-gathers. If you don’t keep the rhythm, she is always there to help get you on the beat. Another key element of her life is dressing for success. She prides herself in being a “fashionista.”  Every detail of your attire must be exquisitely coordinated from head to your toes. Makeup, hair, jewelry, and shoe choice are necessary to make a complete ensemble. Even at 99, she is always making sure she is looking fabulous. That does include a warm smile. Ms. Lucy is a phenomenal woman!