She attended Women’s College of Greensboro and graduated from University of North Carolina Charlotte. She taught in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools for 18 years as a reading specialist developing her own reading program. She was instrumental in restoring phonics based reading in CMS teaching numerous workshops to educators. Many students learned to read through her dedication.
Rachel was an avid reader, loved traveling, dancing and gardening. She was a Master Gardner volunteer with the Mecklenburg County Extension Office for many years. For several years she did helpful gardening tips on WSOC television for the Extension Office. Her home gardens were spectacular. She believed any home could be a mansion with proper landscaping.
Rachel is survived by her 3 children, Michael J. Lucas (Jill), of Marion, NC; Dr. Warner J. Lucas of Carrboro, NC; Rosemary Lucas of Charlotte, NC, and former daughter-in-law Terry Lucas. Surviving also are grandchildren, James Scott Lucas (Patti), of Gaffney, SC; M. Troy Lucas (Amy), of Mt. Pleasant, SC; W. Joshua Lucas (Laura), of Carrboro, NC; Katherine Meredith Lucas of Carrboro, NC, and A. Trent Lucas (Jessica), of Mt. Pleasant, SC. There are five great grandchildren, Ella, Samuel, Walker, Amber and Miranda. Rachel is also survived by a sister, Ellen Grace Strauch of St. Pauls, NC and a brother Alton B. King of Salt Lake City, Utah; her sister-in-law, Helen Lucas Price of Honolulu, Hawaii and nephew, Tony Price of Portland, Oregon. She was preceded in death by Dr. Walter Joseph Lucas, her husband of 65 years, her son, John K. Lucas, her parents, 2 sisters and a brother.
The family would like to thank the nursing staff of Unit 5-C at Presbyterian Hospital, Levine Dickson Hospice House located in Huntersville, NC and the caregivers of Home Instead who were of great comfort to her. At her request, all services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent Levine and Dickson Hospice House, 11900 Vanstory Drive, Huntersville, NC 28078.
Online condolences may be placed at www.forestlawnwest.com.
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