Lucille Boykin Jacobs

She was born Lucille Boykin to Lonnie and Gladys Boykin on July 21, 1936 in Wilson, NC and grew up with her brother Ruby Lee Boykin and sister Betty Jean Price in Johnston County. Among the adoring family members who will forever cherish and love her are her children Kathryn Jacobs (partner Nora Lynn Finch), Deborah Vaughan (husband Joel Vaughan), and Joey Jacobs, Jr. (Stacey Jacobs); her grandchildren Katie Vaughan, Summer Jacobs, and Brandon McCain; her special niece Susan Price MacDonald, former husband Fallis Zuern, an extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins, and a friendship with Sylvia Doles that was as close as sisters. Lucille was predeceased by her ex-husband Joe Jacobs.

Lucille used her skills learned at the Wilson School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse at Wake Med and Dorothea Dix hospitals. After Lucille lovingly raised her children in the Raleigh neighborhood of Quail Hollow, she became a valued real estate agent with Ammons Pittman Realtors.

Among her many admirable qualities, Grandma Lucy was an athlete and ardent advocate for her children and grandchildren having opportunities to enjoy sports, especially tennis, basketball, and swimming. She loved passionately, lived courageously, and gave of herself generously. She swam against the current of public opinion to support the often under-represented on moral and social matters; she had grace, style, and composure; through Millbrook Baptist Church, she fed the congregation and helped the sick in the community; and with the help of her children and grandchildren, Lucy's Helping Hands became a community charitable outreach for neighborhood children to help people in need by distributing school supplies to needy children, growing vegetables in Grandma Lucy's backyard garden for local homeless shelters, and providing service to local charities such as the Salvation Army and Raleigh Rescue Mission.

While she considered her children her greatest gifts, her grandchildren, Brandon, Katie, and Summer, were her greatest joy! She attended their competitions and outings, celebrated their many accomplishments, and reveled in their talents, personalities, and affection for her.

Her yard is a lush reflection of her love for gardening; the colorful painted murals on the walls of her home reflect her bright and outgoing personality; the pictures and paintings of her children and grandchildren represent her deep and abiding love for her family; the books on the coffee tables indicate her enjoyment of reading; Duke basketball on the television channel was witness to her enthusiasm for collegiate sports; and her lawn chair packed in the car ready for the beach or sideline of a family member's tennis match showed her love for the coast and for cheering for her family playing sports.

Lucille and her family wish to thank Dr. Maha Elkordy, Claire Bremmer and all of the wonderful medical professionals who gave loving and exceptional care at Rex Hospital and Cary Cancer Center, to the friends and neighbors who gave expressions of love and acts of kindness, and to those who have prayed for and with the family.

There will be only one Lucille Jacobs, but that one Lucille had enormous influence. She created a family where everyone felt safe, loved, supported, encouraged, and inspired, and because her children learned to treat people with respect and kindness, Lucille will live through those who knew her and loved her deeply. We miss you and will keep you close in our hearts forever.

The family will receive friends Monday, March 24 from 6-8 pm at Millbrook Baptist Church, 1519 E. Millbrook Road in Raleigh. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, March 26 at 11 am at Oakwood Cemetery followed by a memorial celebration beginning at 12:30 pm at Millbrook Baptist Church. A luncheon will follow the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Millbrook Baptist Church ( General Fund ), or to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Millbrook Rd. Condolences may be through www.brownwynne.com.