Martha Lucille Vescova

1921 - 2022

Martha Lucille Tyler Vescova, age 100, passed away April 18, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. She is survived by her daughter Donna Kay Baugus (Brent), grandchildren Jack Donald Muth, III (Kathy) and Heather Benet Baugus Koury (Joseph), great granddaughter Zoe Ann Koury, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by husbands Patrick Vescova and Robert Donald Vick, as well as by sisters Helen Tyler, Myrl Evans, Sue Sommers, Uvee Sollars, and Jean McBride, and brothers Buster Tyler and Bill Tyler (Edna).

Lucille was born in the fall of 1921 to Edna and Eugene Tyler, farmers in Sarepta, Mississippi. Growing up on a farm with seven siblings left her with many fond memories. While she told stories of challenges during the Great Depression, it was clear that those years were a cherished part of her past.

There was always work to be done. Lucille left school after the eighth grade to help her father work the farm. She plowed fields and sawed logs in the family sawmill. At age 18, she moved with her sister Myrl to St. Petersburg, Florida. There, she worked at Morrison's Cafeteria. She found being away from home exciting but soon returned to care for her ill mother and younger siblings. Once her mother was well, she rejoined Myrl in St. Petersburg, this time working at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. This brought opportunities to meet with other young people for boat races, dances, and airplane rides to Cuba.

From St. Petersburg, she joined her brother Buster in Memphis. There, her first job was with Malco Theaters, followed by a job in the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company Transportation Department. It was at Firestone that she met her first husband Donald, and it was from Firestone that she retired in 1977.
Lucille credited her father for her strong work ethic and determination to take every growth opportunity that came her way. She restarted her education in her thirties, earned her full high school diploma at age 42, and sought out courses in public speaking and leadership.

Lucille was a natural leader, a talent that served her at Firestone and in her volunteer choices. She had a passion for encouraging young women to seek out opportunities both professionally and personally, as she had done. She was also passionate about supporting programs for the hearing and speech impaired.

Lucille was particularly proud of her work as a member of Professional Secretaries International (PSI). She served as President of the PSI Women's Executive Council, President of the PSI Quota Club of East Memphis, and as a member of the Quota Club's Board of Managers. Lucille was also a longtime member and past officer of the Women's Traffic Club of Memphis.

One of Lucille's most cherished roles began in 1962 when she joined a small group dedicated to creating Second Baptist Church. She remembered attending services in theaters and other churches until they had raised enough money for a building of their own. Through her church, she expanded her community work to include support for military service members, orphans, and families in need. Over a span of 59 years, Lucille attended services at Second Baptist and felt honored to be a charter member of the church she loved.

In 1963, Lucille married Donald Vick and became mother to his daughter Donna. Life with Donald was filled with love, adventure and two grandchildren, Jay and Heather. As Granny and PaPa, they proved to be loving, involved grandparents.

After Donald's passing, Lucille found love once more. Her second husband, Pat Vescova, was someone she and Donald had known at Firestone. After Pat's passing, she focused her life on her family and especially on Zoe, her new great granddaughter.

Lucille loved gardening and baking. Her roses and her interactions with fellow gardeners were a special joy! In the kitchen, she was known for her beautiful cakes adorned with intricate flowers. Her last special creation was an amazing piano cake for her great granddaughter's birthday. This she created at age 90.

Lucille loved life. Whether those who knew her called her Mother, Granny, Lucille, Lucy or Miss Lucille, they all miss her spirit, humor and bright smile.

Arrangements are being managed by Forest Hill Funeral Home-East in Memphis. Visitation will take place at Second Baptist Church, 4680 Walnut Grove Road, at 10:30 AM on Monday, April 25, 2022. A Funeral Service will follow at 11 AM.

Flowers are welcome. Memorials to celebrate Lucille's life may be made to: Second Baptist Church's Mission Gifts Fund to support her steadfast belief in the goodness of her Lord and His works; ITN Memphis, a local nonprofit that provided her with transportation and independence that enriched her life; or any charity that supports those amongst us who need a helping hand.