Lucille B Floyd

"Look up. Don't let nothing shake your faith. Jesus is the answer for the world today." Anyone who knew Lucille B. Floyd surely heard those words (at least once). They were words she believed, words she used to encourage and console, words she lived by. Although Lucille was diagnosed with dementia in her later years and often forgot people, places and things, she never forgot her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and wouldn't allow anyone in her presence to forget Him either. Born September 8, 1924 in Charleston, SC, Lucille B. Floyd's birth was a miracle in itself. An elderly midwife, Ms. Susan Brown, prevented her abortion. She delivered Lucille, took her in, and loved and raised her as her own. Lucille attended the local schools in Charleston, but she did not receive her high school diploma until late in life - through an adult education program. Lucille was married twice – first to Leroy Bennett and then to Elijah Floyd, Sr. She had a total of six children: Henry Bennett (deceased), Leroy Bennett, Frank Brown, Elijah Floyd, Jr., Gregory Floyd, and Carolyn Floyd Knowles. Lucille was no stranger to hard work. She was a machinist at the Cigar Factory in Charleston for 27 years before being laid off as a result of the company's financial challenges. She then worked as a cashier at TG&Y, and later as a custodian at Charleston High School. She worked hard, but she loved harder. Lucille was easily defined by both her love for the Lord and her love of family. For many years, Lucille attended Vanderhorst Memorial CME Church, where she served on the usher board, stewardess board, and served as the church secretary. Singing was a major part of Lucille’s praise; she loved singing and traveling with the Vanderhorst Gospel Group, as well as the 50 Voices Choir of Charleston. She also served as a community poll volunteer for local and national elections. In 1987, her daughter and son-in-law (both Army officers assigned in Germany) requested her help in caring for their daughter. Lucille agreed and moved to Germany. While in Germany, she became very popular with the soldiers and their families; many looking up to her as a parent and/or grandparent. Lucille stood 4 feet 10 inches and was affectionately nick-named “Lil Lady.” Her stint in Germany allowed her to travel to Paris, France; Brussels, Belgium; and Barcelona, Spain. She remained with her daughter and son-in-law for many years, throughout their military careers, actively serving at Independent Baptist Church in Fort Leavenworth, KS; and Christian Faith Baptist Church, in Raleigh, NC along the way. In 1998, Lucille returned to Charleston to help care for her grandson. While there, she joined the Johns Island Church of Christ, where she was an active member. In 2010, at the age of 86, Lucille moved to Virginia to live with her daughter and son-in-law. While in Virginia, Lucille joined the Alfred Street Baptist Church under watch care, where she was a faithful disciple who periodically served as a guest soloist for the Trinity Choir. “Lil Lady” was known for her beautiful hats and matching outfits. She never met a hat she didn't like! Later in life due to severe dementia, Lil Lady resided at the Brookside Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, where her daughter and son- in-law faithfully visited her three to four times a week. Lil Lady was quite popular at Brookside among residents and staff, quickly becoming the “go to” for anyone in need of inspiration and/or conversation about the Lord. Our beloved Lil Lady peacefully transitioned to be with her Heavenly Father on the morning of September 1, 2020. She was predeceased by her oldest son Henry Bennett (Myrna). She leaves behind her sons Leroy Bennett (Camilla); Frank Brown; Elijah Floyd, Jr.; Gregory Floyd (Amy); and her daughter Carolyn Knowles (Gil). She also leaves behind a host of grand, great, and great-great grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. “Lil Lady” is physically gone. However, her loving, gracious spirit lives on, and her legacy of love and faith in God will never be forgotten. "Look up. Don't let nothing shake your faith. Jesus is the answer for the world today."

Lucille B Floyd

September 8, 1924 - September 1, 2020