Lenice Waugh

NEWARK — Longtime Gallia County resident Lenice A. Jeffers Waugh, 93, went to be with the Lord on April 20, 2017. At the time of her passing, she was surrounded by family at the Hospice of Central Ohio in Newark. Lenice was born December 28, 1923, in Clay Township, Gallia County, and was the older daughter of the late Ralph Mercer and Nettie Caroline (Finley) Jeffers.

Lenice attended the Brush College one-room schoolhouse and was a proud 1942 graduate of Gallia Academy High School. On June 20, 1942, she married Calvin William Waugh in Gallipolis. Two daughters were born to this union of nearly 72 years.

Her devotion to the Lord and her family was endless. Lenice was a baptized member of Edna Chapel Church, where she taught Sunday School. After the chapel's closing, she became a member of Providence Baptist Church, which she regularly attended with her sister, Ruth. She was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary and the Gallia County Genealogical Society, OGS Chapter.

After graduation, Lenice worked for twelve years in Gallipolis for several local clothing merchants and the five and dime store. She also helped Calvin operate a small grocery store in Eureka. Later, Lenice tirelessly served as the primary caregiver for four generations of her family. She cared for her father and her beloved sister, Ruth, while she raised her children and helped raise her grandchildren.

For nearly eighty years, Lenice lived near Teens Run Road in the same valley settled by her ancestors in the 1830s. In 2002, Lenice relocated to Columbus to be closer to her daughters and granddaughters, but she always considered Gallia County her home.

Those left to mourn her passing are daughters Kala Sue Bush of Upper Arlington, and Kim Lynnette (Michael) Wigglesworth of Newark; granddaughters Abra Kathleen Bush of Baltimore, Md., Larae Christine (Jeffrey) Schraeder of Upper Arlington, and Taylor Marie Wigglesworth of Newark; sister-in-law Nina M. Jeffers of Gallipolis; first cousins Billy R. and Dan W. Jeffers; nieces and nephews R. Keith Jeffers, Linda Jeffers-Lester, Jill Roush, Aaron Jeffers, and Ellen VanNest. Lenice was preceded in death by Calvin, her sister, Ruth Julia, and four brothers, Joe Russell, John James, Jack, and Paul Jacob Jeffers.

Pallbearers will represent Teens Run Road friends and neighbors.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations in Lenice's memory to Providence Baptist Church; Clay Chapel Cemetery c/o Clara Haner, 11756 State Route 7 S., Gallipolis, OH 45631; or The Gallia County Genealogical Society, OGS Chapter, P.O. Box 1007, Gallipolis, OH 45631.

The family will receive friends beginning at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, April 23, 2017 at Providence Church, 3570 Teens Run Road, Crown City. A funeral service will be held at the church at 3 p.m., followed by a graveside service at Mound Hill Cemetery in Gallipolis. Pastors John Arnold and Troy Delaney will officiate the services. Arrangements by Willis Funeral Home.

Please visit www.willisfuneralhome.com to send e-mail condolences.