Lucille Lassiter Murray

Trustee Lucille Murray, a witty, beautiful, sweet, spiritual, elegant lady was the fifth child of thirteen brothers and sisters, born in Rich Square, NC on April 24, 1929, to The Late Russell Lassiter, Sr. and Obelia Drew Lassiter. The Angel of the Lord came and called her peacefully from her Earthly Home to her Heavenly Home on August 20, 2021, at UNC Rex Hospital, Raleigh, NC. Trustee Lucille’s Father and Mother preceded her in death along with seven brothers and two sisters. Brothers Dec. Clarence Lassiter, Floyd Lassiter, James (Partner) Lassiter, Russell (Bugg) Lassiter, Jr., John Lassiter, Charles Lassiter, Melvin (Peter)Lassiter, and Sisters, Deaconess Dalthelia Lassiter Smith and Naomi (Sis) Lassiter Johnson. Trustee Lucille received her education in Northampton and Hertford County Public Schools. Lucille graduated from Robert L. Vann High School, Ahoskie, NC in 1946. She loved school and learning, so after graduating from High School she attended Elizabeth City University, formerly Elizabeth City Teachers College, majoring in Education. Trustee Lucille professed Christ at an early age and was baptized here at Menola First Baptist Church. She was an active member until she moved away. Lucille loved the Lord and His Word. Her favorite Scripture was: “I must work the works of Him who sent me while it is day; the night is coming, when no one can work.” (John 9:4 NKJ) Trustee Lucille loved to travel; she traveled to Virginia, North & South Carolina, Oklahoma, New York, Pennsylvania and many other places. After much travel, she decided to make Philadelphia her home and relocated there in 1960. For over 60 years she resided in Philadelphia and she was involved in the Community such as Political Activities, Voting Canvassing, Educational Involvement with the School Board, Neighborhood Watch and many other activities. She was a busy lady and although she did not drive, she found a way to get around and serve God’s People. She started working at J.C Penny’s Company soon after moving there. She worked in various positions including Manager and Supervisor until she retired. She stayed in retirement for about 3 years and went back to work for the School System as a Teacher of Pre-K students who had Health Challenges. She was called “Miss Lucy” by her students. She loved her little Babies and would often talk about them. She believed everyone had a gift even if you had Health Challenges. Trustee Lucille worked in the heart of Philly as a Voter and she worked diligently to get people in her city to Register to Vote. She worked alongside Civil Rights Activists, Board of Education Members, City Council, County Commissioners, Governor’s Office, and wherever she thought she could make a difference. She was always in the background, but you knew she was there. She loved her family and friends. She would get together with them as often as she could. Her beautiful smile and laughter would light up any room. She also had many words of wisdom and encouragement for the young people. In Philadelphia, she became a Member of Mt. Olivet Tabernacle Baptist Church. She worked diligently, in the Teaching and Education Ministry, Usher’s Ministry, Hospitality Ministry, Pastor’s Aide Ministry, Building Ministry, Finance Ministry, and wherever else she was needed. In 1980 she was called to be a Trustee (the first female trustee at Mt. Olivet) and served until her health failed. In 2014 Trustee Lucille relocated to Raleigh, NC to be closer to family. After retiring, she did not stop because God called her to be a Caregiver. She was a Caregiver for her 90-year-old Aunt Willie Lassiter after she retired for the second time. Her Aunt Willie lived to be 112 years old and in 2012, she transitioned. Lucille often traveled to Menola. She came often and was an Awesome, Loving, Caregiver for her Parents before they transitioned. She didn’t mind riding the Trailways Bus to Ahoskie, NC, several times a year to help with her Parents. Trustee Lucille loved cooking southern foods & entertaining, reading, church outings and church activities, Bible study, and she was a Powerful Prayer Warrior. Trustee Lucille leaves to cherish her memory, Three Sisters, Mary Liza Vinson, Woodland, NC, Dr. Genora Shaw (Hollis), Durham, NC, and Georgia Lawrence, Rich Square, NC. Caregivers Rev. Chaneta Johnson, Renee Johnson Manneh (Buba), Raleigh, NC. Her Best Friends in Philadelphia, Carolyn Smith, Gerri Ambush, Jo Walker, Sheila, Donald, and Veronica (cousins). She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who affectionately call her “Aunt Lou”. Her extended Church Family including Pastor Andre Price, and Mt. Olivet Tabernacle Baptist Church of Philadelphia, and Pastor Tokunbo Adelekan former Pastor of Mt. Olivet Tabernacle Baptist Church. Family and Friends: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Lucille Lassiter Murray

April 24, 1929 - August 20, 2021