Louis "Lucy" Etta Levingston

Louis Etta (Perry) Levingston, lovingly known as “Lucy”, was born July 17, 1942 in Atoka, OK as firstborn to parents Lewis and Emma Perry (both deceased). Pursuing a better life, the family moved to Oklahoma City in the early 1950’s. She grew up as big sister to siblings Rose Mary (Barnes) Westbrook, Edward “Mack” Perry (deceased), and Shirley Ann (Davis) Carter (deceased). She graduated as a Trojan from Douglas High School where she met her husband, Major Levingston-Mathenia, Jr. They were married October 29, 1960 and their union was blessed with a daughter, Tonya Launette Levingston-Mathenia; and a son, Juan Ray Levingston both in Oklahoma City. Juan married Shelly (Spahn) Glaze (deceased), and is currently married to Tamara (Golston) Levingston and his unions blessed his parents with four grandchildren, Jordan Rae Levingston; Taylor Ray and wife Laura Levingston; Jada Raelynn Glaze; and Taylon Deshawn Golston. The blessings continued with four great-grandchildren, Jullien Ray and Marlowe Randall-Lynn (Jordan); Kailyn Amar (Taylon); and Amias Omari (Jada). It goes without saying she considered her childhood best-friend, Nadine Graham, as a sister-of-the-heart. She also counted as family her three great-grand fur babies, Lucy Lou(deceased), Rufus, and Suzy Lou. (Taylor). Lucy also leaves behind a much-loved host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends to keep her spirit living in their hearts and to cherish her memory in their minds.

For several years, Lucy attended Set Free Church under Bishop Cook. She was considered an exalted mother who helped to run the kitchen and watch over the little ones before she left the congregation. Her last place of worship was at Unity Baptist Church under Pastor L. Mike Woodberry. She remained a member of the congregation until health and other issues kept her away.

Although she was unable to attend church service, she remained a servant for the Lord in her own special way.

Lucy was best known for her good cooking, her salty language, her no-nonsense take on life, her fabulous green thumb, and her extraordinary skills as a seamstress. She was a cherished daughter and a beloved sister. She was a devoted, opinionated, and spoiled wife for 60 years to Major, Jr. until the day he died. She taught her two-year old daughter, Tonya, to read in the hopes of stemming the constant “What does that say?” questions. She has always been Tonya's heroic champion, giving her the encouragement and courage to be herself no matter what. She was Juan's first love. His protector and supporter for all his endeavors. She was a den-mother for Juan's little league football team and Tonya's cheerleader squad. A loving and salty mother-in-law to Juan's wives, and a beloved Granny to his children and grandchildren. She truly loved and was so proud of her grandchildren and she was tickled pink to be a great-grandmother. She enjoyed wonderful relationships with her nieces and nephews, providing them with love, advice, and a home when they were in need. She was a staunch and loyal sister-friend to Nadine and a second mother figure to her children. She was a proud member of The Unique Ladies Social-Charity Club where she made lifelong friends, created fabulous evening dresses and ensembles, and traveled all over the Midwestern USA. She was an avid home decorator more than capable of painting a room and moving furniture on her own which inspired her to enroll at Oklahoma Jr College and graduated with an Associate Degree in Interior Design. Lucy excelled at so many things in her 81-year lifespan. A daughter, sister, friend, student, wife, Mama, sister-in-law, cousin, auntie, and Granny. She was a role-model, a mentor, and a safe place for everyone she came in contact with. She was and always will be an eccentric and beloved fixture in the hearts and lives of the many people she touched with her particular brand of comfort, humor, wisdom, and love. She's flying home on the butterfly wings of angels to be with the family gone before her, to meet her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the Almighty God, the father of us all. 

She once said to her daughter “When I die, cry a few tears and say a prayer to mourn my death and shame the devil. Then eat a good meal, have a few drinks, and dance to celebrate my life and remember me with joy.”