Lou Ogburn

Lou Ogburn, 86, one of the most ardent supporters of the Tallahassee Museum, died February 17 at her home in Tallahassee. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, February 21, at Bevis Funeral Home, 200 John Knox Road, Tallahassee.

When Lou and her late husband, Cal, moved to Tallahassee, she set about getting involved in her new community. She liked to tell people about going to the museum to seek opportunities for volunteer work. They offered to have her lead the botanical tour. She declined, saying she could not pronounce those names. They then offered her the animal tour, and, again, after asking if the baby alligator had ever bitten anyone and being told it had not, said that those were bad odds and declined again. So then she would laugh and say they let her be board president.

Lou was loyal, trustworthy, fun and friendly. She had southern charm. She sought joy for everyone. When her sister, Jill, died, she made Elle, her niece, change her outfit for the funeral-no black allowed. Lou loved color, wanted people to be happy, and to be remembered with joy.

Lou was born March 28, 1939 in Gastonia, NC, to Gary Anderson Littlefield and Louise Pollard Littlefield. She graduated from Wake Forest University and held a number of jobs over the years. For over 50 years she worked to raise funds for the Tallahassee Museum of History and Natural Science. She was deeply involved with the annual Market Days in support of the museum. Just completing its 60th year, Market Days is one of the Southeast's largest and best juried arts and crafts show, attracting more than 300 artisans. Lou recruited people to Market Days, getting to know the artists well.

Lou also was active with local advocacy for the developmentally disabled. She was a gubernatorial appointee to the Family Care Council, which she chaired for many years. She also worked to find solutions for aging parents of disabled children. Lou worked tirelessly to improve services and broaden their rights. She was a walking encyclopedia on their issues.

Last June she was honored by the Florida Association of Housing and Redevelopment with a lifetime achievement award. A friend recalls that when Lou was a child someone asked her what she wanted to be. "I want to be blue," she said, and blue she was-a proud Democrat and a champion of civil and human rights, particularly for women.

She is survived by her daughter, Ruth; a niece, Elle Hurtt (Gator, Taylor, Tommy); a nephew, Brent Heustess (Michelle, Alex, Helen); brother-in-law, Richard Heustess; and a cousin, Jane Gibson (Hank). Lou was pre-deceased by her husband, Calvin; son, Gordon; and sister, Jill.

Those wishing to make a gift in her memory are invited to support the Tallahassee Museum, 3945 Museum Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32310

Susie Mozolic of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements. (www.bevish.com or 850-385-2193)