Lucille Elizabeth Talbott-Williams

Lucille Elizabeth Talbott was born in Baltimore, Maryland on February 22, 1919, the youngest of four children from the union of William Henry and Edna Elizabeth (Minkins-Costlley) Talbott. She was educated in the Baltimore Public Schools. She graduated from Coppin Normal School, Morgan State College (now University), and pursued graduate work at New York University and Johns Hopkins University. Lucille loved to read and write. She enjoyed roller-skating and playing games even into adulthood. She spent her professional career as an educator in the Baltimore City School System. During her career, she taught first through sixth grades and was an administrator on various levels. She retired as principal of the Fannie Coppin Elementary School in 1975. She was a friend and a teacher of teachers throughout her years of service and even after her retirement. “Miss Lucille” has always been known for her quick wit, her support of children and their projects and their growth. She loved to play games and was very skillful at playing a good game of pinochle or contract bridge. Mrs. Williams enjoyed socializing, both attending and hosting parties. She was a founding member of The We Moms Club and a member of several bridge clubs. She won several trophies from winning at Tournament Bridge. She was a Golden Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. While active with the Baltimore Alumnae Chapter, she worked on several committees. While in Baltimore, she was an active member of St. Katherine’s Episcopal Church. Through the years, she served in many capacities including pianist and being a creative and dedicated Sunday School teacher and the Sunday School superintendent for many years. When the family converted to Catholicism in 1963, Mrs. Williams continued serving the Lord in various capacities, even delivering communion to the sick and shut in. During the early years of her retirement, she cooked food and served the hungry at Our Daily Bread in downtown Baltimore. As part of the prison ministry, “Miss Lucille” counseled young female offenders. She was a member of the Ladies of Charity and the Catholic Daughters of America. She was selected to serve as a member of the first Parish Council at the Basilica of the Assumption (the first Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States), and she was selected to be one of the persons to attend the Papal Mass when John Paul II visited Baltimore. She had a heart and mind for service as exemplified by her volunteering with Meals on Wheels and with other organizations serving the seniors in the Baltimore community. Her energy and spunk were frequently commented upon by others. She could regularly be spotted in her colorful jogging suits and matching athletic shoes walking around the lake or through the shopping malls. When she was not doing volunteer work or watching her oldest grandchildren, Lucille was off on trips or enjoying the theatre with the Waxter Senior Center. She also traveled over much of the world with groups of friends and family. She is always ready to go and happy to accompany other on their errands or even on longer trips. She was always eager to hop in the car; TWICE, to accompany family members on cross-country trips. Most people commented on big smile she had for anyone who spoke to her. She enjoyed life and loved people, especially her family. During her early years of retirement, Lucille attended the theatre almost weekly. She loved to be active. Lucille was a devoted daughter to her late parents, William Henry and Edna Minkins Talbott. She was a loving wife to the late Franklyn T. William for over 56 years. To him, she was “Lovums.” She was always a loving and caring mother, aunt, cousin, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She spent many years making holidays and everyday special for her family and friend. Mrs. Williams resided with her youngest daughter and their family in Fairburn, Georgia since 2001. She enjoyed dinning at and participating in activities at the HG Bowden Center in East Point, GA. She attended Trinity A.M.E. Church in Southwest Atlanta where her son-in-law, Rev. Jeffery B. Copper, Sr. is the pastor. She maintained her affiliation with St.; Katherine’s Episcopal Church. Lucille Williams is survived by her daughters, Carol and Joanne; grandchildren, Cydney, Ako, Ethan, Charity, and Jeffery; and great-grandchildren, Hillery, Alexander, J’adore, and Imana.

Tributes

Lucille Elizabeth Talbott-Williams

February 22, 1919 - August 11, 2010