Lucinda (Cindy) Webster Chew

Lucinda was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, in 1943, to the late Karl and Ann Webster. She was always proud of her Litchfield connections and large extended family there. Lucinda graduated from Litchfield High School in 1961 and then came south to Greensboro College to become a Special Education Teacher. A year after the Woolworth Sit-ins in 1960, Lucinda, upon her arrival at GC in 1961, joined the desegregation marches that still continued at that time. Thus started her life of advocacy and action at the age of 17.

In the fall of 1964, Lucinda met Robert L. Chew III of Winston-Salem. They had a whirlwind romance, got married in 1965, and moved to Florida, where she taught Special Education until the arrival of her first child, Robert IV.

Lucinda was active for many years in the League of Women Voters. In the early years, she brought her children to many ERA marches and voter registration events. She was the President of the South Palm Beach League of Women Voters from 1976-77 and then President of the Wake County League from 1986-88. In 1986, under Lucinda's leadership, the League presented its study of the effectiveness of the magnet program and continued to support adequate funding for the schools and assignment plans that promoted diversity. Other issues receiving attention were affordable and fair housing. For many years Lucinda was a faithful worker at the Election Polling Places and was a Polling District Judge for many years in North Hills. Fair and free elections were always so important to her. Lucinda was a supporter of the Arts of Wake County and held jobs with the United Arts Council of Wake County and Artsplosure. She was also active with the Pullen Women Missions for many years.

Lucinda was a devoted mother to Robert, Timothy, and Sarah. The stillbirth of Benjamin had always left a small hole in her heart. Lucinda took special joy in the many family dinners where the conversation often revolved around politics and NCSU sports. She would often get a twinkle in her deep brown eyes when there was a good joke being told or beautiful music playing.

Lucinda was preceded in death by her parents, Karl and Ann Webster. She is survived by her husband, Robert L. Chew III, and their children: Robert L. Chew IV of Raleigh, Timothy Webster Chew and his wife Kristin of Nashville, TN, and Sarah Twining Chew of Raleigh; three grandsons: Nicholas R. Chew, Bennett W. Chew, and Samuel T. Chew of Nashville, TN; and three brothers: Timothy T. Webster of Plano, TX, Thomas H. Webster of Washington, DC, and Hugh B. Webster of Litchfield, CT.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 10th at 10 a.m. at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church of Raleigh.

Gifts in Lucinda’s name may be offered to the League of Women Voters of Wake County, 3509 Haworth Drive #306 Raleigh, NC, USA, 27609.

Arrangements provided by Brown-Wynne, Saint Mary's St. Raleigh, NC.