Ericka Lucas Obituary
(affectionately known by family and friends as "Big Bird", "Picky Pooh" or "E") was born on January 26, 1969, to Ms. Alice Omoti-Johnson and the late Joseph Junes Ruffin, Jr. in Bertie County, NC. Ericka departed this life on Tuesday, September 9th, 2025, at Hock Family Pavillion in Durham, NC.
Ericka accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at an early age where she joined First Baptist Church of Kelford. Ericka attended Bertie High School where she graduated in 1987. In 1991, she graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Elizabeth City State University. While at ECSU, Ericka pledged Delta Sigma Theta and played on the women's basketball team and the volleyball team. Ericka went on to further her education from North Carolina State University, obtaining a Master's degree in Education Administration.
Ericka worked for the Wake County Public Schools System for 30 years, serving in many roles including teacher, coach, Assistant Principal, Principal and Central Office Leadership. She had a strong impact on her community and touched the many lives she encountered.
Ericka was married to the love of her life, Reginald Lucas, for 24 years. Their union was blessed with one son, Nigel Lucas, both whom she adored and loved dearly.
Ericka is preceded in death by her father, Joseph Ruffin, Jr., and her grandparents, Ruth O. Hardy, Roscoe N. Hardy, Rosa Ruffin, and Joseph Ruffin, Sr. She leaves to cherish her husband, Reginald Lucas and son Nigel Lucas who reside in Raleigh, NC, her mother, Alice Omoti-Johnson residing in Durham, NC, two brothers, Darryle Ruffin (Brenda) residing in Raleigh, NC, Corey Rainey residing in Charlotte, NC, one sister, Rasheeda Johnson (Adrian) residing in Durham, NC, Father-In-Law, Wayne Jackson residing in Raleigh, NC, Mother-In-Law, Relia Lucas, two brothers-in-law, Ray Lucas and Donald Lucas, and one Sister-in-Law Jane Lucas all of Wake Forest, NC.
Ericka will be lovingly missed and cherished by her Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Classmates, Colleagues, Students, and friends.
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Johnnie Owens
September 20, 2025
You are in my thoughts and prayers. With sympathy, Johnnie Owens
Sheilah A Sutton
September 19, 2025
Praying for God's peace and love to encompass Coach Lucas and family now and in the days ahead. We were so fortunate to have her as the first principal of our newly built Rolesville High School. We will never forget her care and enthusiasm for the success of our students. Rest in eternal peace Ericka! Blessings, Sheilah Sutton and family, former Rolesville Town Commissioner
Bill & Sharon Goccia
September 19, 2025
Reggie & Nigel -
Our hearts break for you. Our prayers are with you and your whole family.
Bill & Sharon Goccia
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Douglas and Wanda Freeman
September 19, 2025
Our deepest condolences go out to the Ruffin and Lucas families for the loss of Erica!
Sharon Reid
September 19, 2025
My deepest condolence to the family, Erica was so sweet, I met her at millbrook high school, she was a good principal . take your rest my friend.
Silas & Shante Demary
September 18, 2025
Ericka we love you eternally! My God rest your soul!!
Cindy McPherson
September 18, 2025
Prayers for the family and especially Nigel and Coach Lucas. I had the privilege to work with Ericka Lucas at both East Wake High School and Rolesville High School. She was respected by students, staff, parents, and the business community supporting the schools. Her firm but pleasant demeanor was felt by all. She is truly missed already but will never be forgotten. I was blessed to work with her.
Patricia K. Montague
September 18, 2025
Praying for the family. And, may God comfort and keep you during this difficult time!
Glynis Brown Mullins
September 18, 2025
Rest in peace my Viking Sister! C/O 91
Darrick (Smooth) & Glynis Mullins
Karl Driggers
September 18, 2025
To the Lucas Family from Karl Driggers Wake Forest Nc formerly from Greenville NC I'm deeply sorry for the loss of your love one may she rest in peace because she's in good hands with the Lord she couldn't ask for a beautiful and better place just hold on to God's unchanging hands from Karl Driggers Wake Forest Nc
Kelly Pipkin
September 18, 2025
Rest is peace Mrs Lucas you will be truly missed. Kelly Pipkin
Ashley Bramlett
September 18, 2025
Rest in peace Mrs. Lucas . You were always kind to me long ago in middle school. I will also remember you. Ashley Bramlett
Lorie Burrell-Jones
September 17, 2025
Our prayers for the Ruffin, Lucas Families, Friends and all those touched by Ericka's light & passion. May the Lord give you all comfort, strength, peace and understanding as you continue life's journey with Ericka as your Heavenly Angel. Rest In Heavenly Peace Classmate "ECSU 91".
Peggy McNaughton
September 17, 2025
I had the pleasure of teaching with Erika. Her energy & love of life was contagious. My thoughts and prayers are with Reggie & her family. May memories of your life with Erika comfort you at this time.
Trevondia Boykin
September 17, 2025
Sending thoughts and prayers to the Lucas family and our Viking family during this difficult time. #VikingPrideCheer92'
Renee Knight
September 17, 2025
Sincerest Condolences, Viking Pride X3 `92
Tirene Crowell
September 17, 2025
Blessing and condolences to the family. Miss you already cousin!
Leslie Jones
September 17, 2025
Ericka was a beautiful soul. Long live her memory. Viking Pride!! Rest well my sister
Victoria Hardy
September 17, 2025
Blessings and condolences to the family. Erica was a beautiful soul and she will be missed dearly.
Sandra & Annis Morris
September 17, 2025
To know Erica was to love her. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Remember we are family. With love from Sandra and Annis Morris
Melissa Reynolds
September 17, 2025
Mrs. (Ruffin) Lucas was a loving woman. I was honored to have her as my health and PE teacher at Wake Forest Roseville Middle School. She was the type of person that when you walked in the classroom and we're in her presence she could tell we were having a good or bad day. She took it up on herself to ask how you were doing try to make your day better oh well teaching you at the same time. She will be deeply missed but everyone new and loved her.
Mary Winston
September 17, 2025
Family sorry for your loss. My prayers and condolences are with you.
Mary Winston
Joshua Jarvis
September 17, 2025
My favorite principal at Rolesville, a blessing to have you in my life Ms.Lucas
Maite Castillo (WFHS Staff)
September 17, 2025
My condolences and prayers to all mourning Mrs. Lucas. I didn't get a chance to meet her but I see her spirit in those that love her and her family here at WFHS. Missed, but never forgotten.
Sylvia Raye
September 17, 2025
Condolences and Prayers to the Lucas family.
Samantha Williams Holley
September 17, 2025
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Family. Praying that God will comfort and give you strength.
CSM Cribb
September 17, 2025
So sorry for your loss.
Tina Morris
September 16, 2025
My sincere condolences to the family. Praying for you to have strength in God at this time of bereavement.
Karen Lewis
September 16, 2025
Will forever be in our hearts and beautiful memories! Loved you girl..Know that your Classmates of 91'..we're here for your husband, son and family! Viking Pride!!
Mrs. Omar P. Singletary
September 16, 2025
So sorry to hear of Ericka´s passing. I worked with Ericka for several years at what was then called Wake Forest Rolesville Middle School. We were both teachers there. I had the privilege of teaching her husband, Reggie when he was in middle school at WFRM. Both of them were very nice individuals. Ericka had a beautiful smile that went along with her most pleasing and caring attitude towards everyone that she encountered. She will be dearly missed! Mrs. Omar P. Singletary
Scott Walker
September 16, 2025
My deepest sympathy and condolences to Coach Lucas, Nigel and the entire family.
Nicole Brown
September 15, 2025
We extend our deepest condolences to Reggie and Nigel Lucas as we honor the life and legacy of Ericka Lucas-a woman whose presence lit up every room she entered. Her infectious laugh and radiant smile were more than expressions; they were gifts that lifted spirits and reminded us of joy´s power.
Ericka loved without condition and nurtured without hesitation. Her spirit was one of grace, generosity, and quiet strength. Whether offering comfort, encouragement, or simply her time, she gave fully-leaving behind a legacy of compassion that will continue to echo in the lives she touched.
To Reggie and Nigel: may you find peace in the memories you shared, strength in the love that surrounds you, and comfort in knowing that Ericka´s light lives on in both of you. Her love was fierce, her heart expansive, and her impact immeasurable.
With heartfelt sympathy
The Brown family
(Drew, Nicole, Byrum, and Davis Brown)
Natalie Ayscue
September 15, 2025
Coach Lucas, our family extends our deepest heartfelt sympathy to you, your son and your entire family. You will continue to be in our prayers.
Natalie, Scott, Jordan & Logan Ayscue
The Watkins & Laws Family (Cousin)
September 15, 2025
Sending our sincere condolences prayers and love to Reggie, Nigel and the Lucas and Ruffin family during this difficult season of grief. Our hearts are heavy and we share your pain. We unfortunately are unable to attend the service but will be there in spirit. May Ericka rest in eternal peace
Natalie
September 15, 2025
Prayers that your memories that you and your son hold dear to your hearts will help comfort you in the days ahead.
Silas & Shante' Demary
September 15, 2025
Reggie & Nigel...sending our deepest and heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Praying that your loving and cherished memories sustain you all during this difficult time. Ericka was one of a kind, she filled our lives with happiness that we will carry in our hearts forever! I will miss my dear sister, friend and Soror. May God give you the peace and comfort you need. Love, Silas Sr. Shante', Samara, Sierra & Silas Jr.
Jonathan wray (family)
September 15, 2025
Dear Coach Lucas and Nigel, ALL Loving Families, Friends (FATHER GOD we offer up ALL PRAYERS and ALL GOD´S SUBSTAINED LOVE And ALL HIS GRACE Upon ALL OF YOU during this time of experiencing bereavement!!!!OUR LOVE -Jonathan-John & Jeanette Wray (Family)
Roni and Rick Baker
September 15, 2025
There are no words to express nor take away the pain and loss that is felt by Coach Lucas, Nigel, her family, friends, and colleagues. Ericka was always a bright light to everyone around her. May God comfort and wrap his loving arms around everyone during their time of grief. Our Continuous Love and Condolences to Everyone
Roni and Rick Baker
Tina Hoots
September 15, 2025
There are no words to express the loss of Ericka. A tremendous person and educator. Sending love and prayers to Reggie, Nigel, family, and the WF community.
Linda Cooley
September 14, 2025
The love of friends and family carry you through your grief.My condolences.
Joan Vey
September 14, 2025
I followed Ms. Lucas to three schools to work with her. She was such a wonderful principal. We talked about how important family was to both of us. While sharing lunch duty we often spoke about changing future plans to spend more time with our children. My heart is so sad tonight but I am remembering all the lovely time spent with her.
Ida Hawley
September 14, 2025
Mrs Lucas was my Principal at Rolesville High School,and last year I retired from Rolesville High she left a lasting impression on me and Rolesville Rest Easy You did A Great Job
Trish Dawson
September 14, 2025
Reggie and Family , there are no words to describe your pain . I pray in the days to come , you´ll find peace , in knowing what a wonderful person she was and all the love she brought to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her and the lives she touched .
Trish Dawson
Peggy Clifton
September 14, 2025
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Dr. Tiffany Newsome
September 14, 2025
Mrs. Lucas was my first principal when I began teaching at Rolesville High. I will never forget her telling me that I needed to go to grad school and get my degree in school administration because I would be a principal one day. She saw me as a leader from the start. My sincerest condolences to Reggie and Nigel for your loss. What an amazing impact she had on not just me but so many others! May God grant you the strength you need to navigate such a difficult time.
C. Belvin Walton
September 14, 2025
My heart is broken for this family. I pray that God will give you his comfort during this time .
C. Belvin Walton
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