My mother, Lucille Adcock was a strong women who raised two children pretty much by herself. She was strict to a point, but also allowed us great freedom. Living a military life has its benefits. We were able to travel and experience living in different parts of the United States. It taught us how to be respectful, obedient and disciplined. Mom's sister Shirley, was our summertime nanny. She lived in Lucama, North Carolina. A very small rural town. My uncle was a roofer, and my aunt kept his books and served as housewife. Mom would send us here every summer by plane, I remember the planes back then were never full and you could always find a row to lay down.

Our Aunt Shirley had a great sense of humor and kept us pretty much busy with pickling, canning, picking, shucking, etc. Mother would come and join us towards the end of our summer. We were so excited to see her. We had great family times when mother arrived, we would eat North Caolina BBQ, and listen to stories from mom and Shirley. These were great memories for my mom, she loved her family in North Carolina. Her nieces and nephews, extended family and friends from years past. It was hard for her to leave but when we lived in Georgia, it was easy to make bi annual trips. I learned how to read a map and help navigate our trips while mom drove. We were lucky in a way, being raised by mom meant we had to pitch in be helpful, we grew up quickly and I am thankful to my mom for all the ways she lead us in life by example. Mother didnt talk about character she just led with character. She didnt preach to us about God, but she made sure wherever we were located that we went to church. Later in life it would be up to us to follow our beliefs. 

My mom was far from a pushover, she was respectful but also held people accountable in her work enviornment. I learned a lot about what it means to do a job and do it to the best of  one's ability. I saw this in my mom everyday. She used both her nead and her heart at work. She was always inviting people over for dinner. This was her way of sharing her southern heritage by cooking and caring for people. She knew the power of a good hot meal served with love. She was an excellent cook and  I am glad I learned from her before she became ill. There are so many things to share about my mom. Her fiery personality, great laugh and beaming joy. I miss her today and I missed her two years ago when I realized she was slipping mentally from dementia and alzheimers. I knew then that parts of her mind and in turn her life were fading away and the memories were like dead leaves blowing in her life's deepest winter. I miss you mom, you will always be my firecracker.... brillant

Transcribed via phone conversation by Stefanie Adcock. 


Lucille's Sister-in-law, Naomi Martin (95 years young): 

"I didn't get to spend much time with lucy till the 70s . I came to live with them in Georgia, after a phone conversation with Hank. I was ready for a new adventure and left California, my home at the time to live in Georgia with my dear brother, and his wife- Lucille, I think of the different things we did together. she taught and introduced me to southern cooking. I had never had collard greens before but grew to love them. Lucille also taught me how to clean and cook them. We had great fun together. I have nothing but fond memories of Lucy, she was nothing but nice to me. 

I remember taking a tour of historic homes, and how easy it was to spend time with her, she was gracious and kind. We shared many laughs and our connection was firmly made over that period in our lives. Later Lucy would come to be stationed in San Fransico in the early 80's and I was living in Marin County. During that period we visited regularly. I would have everyone over and prepare dinner. I liked to introduce the kids to new foods and culture. Those were great memories. 

I was so pleased when she studied "What Does the Bible Really Teach?". As a Jehovah Witness, I was happy to speak with her about the truth and although she found Jehovah latter in life, I was delighted to share that connection with her. Lucille was so nice, inviting and caring. I am sorry she is no longer her, she is missed by many. "

My name is Austin Riley Adcock, and I had one of the best Grandmothers that anyone could dream of having. She brought so much happiness and laughter into my life, even when she wasn't able to understand she was. One of my favorite memories of us took place around Christmas time in 2014, the whole family was here, Russell, Grandma, Stefanie, Edgar, and I. I remember singing the song "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" that I sang for choir in Elementry. Little did i know, she knew it as well! Next thing I know, were sitting there singing together in perfect harmony (Almost, she oftenly said "Sweet Cheerio", rather than "Sweet Chariot" but I didn't care because she still sounded beautiful.) That day really was a great day for all of us. That memory will always stay with me, in a special place of my heart. My Grandma and I loved each other so much, one day we will meet again and share alot more laughs