Emily Lucas Revels

Emily Lucas Revels arrived in Rocky Mount, NC two days before Christmas in 1951. Her parents Joseph Wade Lucas and Keeter (Barnes) Lucas liked her so much that they decided to have two more children. Her sister Susan (Lucas) Furmage and her brother Joseph David Lucas had their hands full with an older sister that was incapable of making a mistake and was more than willing to tell them what to do.

As a child, Emily developed a love for plants and gardening and giving directions. She graduated from Terry Sanford High School (yes mom, I know you still call it Fayetteville Senior High) in Fayetteville, NC and moved to Raleigh to attend North Carolina State University. It was at NC State that Emily would meet a tall dark-haired young man from Charlotte. She would go on to marry Daniel Frazier Revels and complete her Bachelors of Science in Horticulture: in that order.

The following year, Dan and Emily would welcome their first son, Daniel Kevin Revels. Turned out that he refused to sleep, so Dan and Emily decided to have a second son three years later so that Kevin could talk to someone else at night instead of keeping them awake. Michael Joseph Revels completed their family as Emily quickly realized that living with three Revels boys was enough. Emily’s extended family however continued to grow. Danny’s older brother Wayne and her sister-in-law Pris provided her with four nephews: Ashley, Jeff, Brandon, and Justin. Emily was finally able to welcome girls to the family when her sister Susan and brother-in-law Robert introduced Hannah, Audrey and Rebecca to the world, only to follow that up with another boy, Bobby.

Emily loved her family, whether they called her by her name or just Em, or Auntie Em, or K Katherine, or mom. But she found the greatest joy of her life in being called MeMe because that is what her grandchildren called her. MeMe’s unconditional love of Catherine Hart Revels, Cooper Joseph Revels, Finley Renee Revels, Waverly Rachel Revels, Daniel George Creed Revels, and Walker Frazier Revels was evident to anyone that knew her. She was especially appreciative of her daughters-in-law, Robin Revels and Jennifer Revels, for their love and friendship, but mainly for giving her some other women to talk to when she was fed up with her husband and sons.

Emily earned a Master’s of Education from NC State and was happily retired from her career as an agent for the University’s Cooperative Extension Service where she focused on consumer horticulture and spreading her love of making things grow. She was a Wolfpack fan through and through, having been at one time or another a season ticket holder for NC State football, basketball, and baseball. Emily became an adept motorhome pilot often arriving days ahead of time for State football games, not just because she loved her school but because it meant she was going to see her family.

She was caring and loving and willing to help with anything, even if you didn't want help. Emily was unique and one-of-a-kind, she was stubborn and strong and determined.

Emily never feared a challenge but the Lord called her home on Tuesday June 30th, 2020 after battles with cancer and Covid-19. Upon arrival, she was greeted by her parents Joe and Keeter, her brother David, and her nephews Ashley and Bobby.

She is survived by her husband of nearly half a century, Daniel Revels of Columbia, SC; her sons, Kevin Revels of Mocksville, NC and Michael Revels of Columbia, SC; her sister, Susan Furmage of Kernersville, NC; and her six adorable grandbabies, Cate, Cooper, Finley, Waverly, Creed, and Walker. She also had great love for her nieces and nephews and the fifteen grand-nieces and grand-nephews that they gave her.

Emily will be dearly missed by her extended family and many friends. Arrangements are being handled by Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, Columbia. The family will have a private graveside service at the Old Bluff Presbyterian Church in Godwin, NC on Friday July 3.

Flowers will be accepted at Dunbar Funeral Home and those who would prefer to make a donation in lieu of flowers are asked to give to the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.