Mary Ann Biddle Lucas

Mary was born Jan 9, 1935, to Elsie Johnson Biddle and John “Jack” Biddle Sr. She grew up on the family farm in Mentone, AL. After graduation from high school, she attended the University of Montevallo where she earned her B.S in Nursing.

She met her husband Earl “Sonny” Lucas while at Montevallo. They bought their home in Vestavia and Mary pursued a career in nursing, working for several area hospitals including what is now Shelby Baptist Medical Center and US Steel’s employee clinic during the US Steel heyday.

When she retired from US Steel in the 90’s she and husband Sonny decided to make Mentone their primary residence. Mary then went to work for the Georgia Department of Corrections as a nurse at the Hayes State Prison in Trion, GA.

Sonny’s failing health prompted Mary’s 2nd retirement from Hayes, and they moved back to their home in Vestavia. Mary lost Sonny in 1999.

It was a devastating loss for Mary. For the next 15 years she would spend her time between Vestavia and the family farm in Mentone bringing along her family of pets that provided comfort and companionship until 2014 when she realized she could no longer keep 2 homes up and sold the beloved farm to her niece.

When Mary joined the congregation of Our Lady of Sorrows it was like finding a 2nd Family. She enjoyed the friendship and activity that OLS provided, particularly serving dinners for the RCIA classes. She looked forward to each new class and the new friends they would bring. OLS provided so much friendship and support for Mary in her last years.

Mary was an avid animal lover. Perhaps she got that on the farm where she was raised with dogs and cats and horses and cows. She never met a dog that she did not like! Over the years there were big dogs and little dogs, purebreds and mutts. All were loved like children and Mary doted on them all. There were a few cats as well, and chickens - and even a miniature horse named Tinkerbell!

Her pets were her faithful companions until 2020 when Mary moved into assisted living. May’s last act of love for her furry and feathered companions was to find good homes for her last dog, last cat, and her last 2 chickens!

Mary would have turned 88 in January. She saw a lot of change in her life but her love for family, friends, and her faith never wavered. She has rejoined all those who had gone before now: parents, husband, friends, and her “children” – her beloved pets who were always by her side.

Memorial services were held on Thursday, the 10th of November, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church commencing at ten o'clock in the morning in the Chapel of the Rectory. Services were under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel in Homewood.