Lucy James Willingham

1915 - 2025

Lucy James Willingham

Sep 8, 1915 - Jan 6, 2025

Below are the words of Lucy Willingham in the obituary she penned for herself. Following that are comments from "her boys." The dates below are not a typo. She was, indeed, born in 1915, and was a ray of sunshine in the world for 109 years!

MEMOIR

Lucy James Willingham was born September 8, 1915, the daughter of Lucy Brown James and James Burton James of Greenville, NC. She attended the public schools there, and then the Music Schools of Salem College and Birmingham Southern, after which she pursued her musical career in New York and was on the staff of NBC, CBS, and ABC.

In 1938 she married Francis Fries Willingham of Winston-Salem, and soon joined the Home Moravian Church. Lucy was a faithful member of the church choir for over 60 years, was a circle leader, played the piano for Sunday School, served on the Worship Committee, and was a Church Interpreter with her husband Frank.

She was a member of the "Club of Twenty Gardens," her favorite book club, the Junior League, the Forsyth Committee of the Colonial Dames, and a volunteer at Baptist Hospital.

Foremost in her life always was the care and nurture of her beloved husband of 71 years, and her three sons. She is survived by Frank Willingham, Jr. of Tomball, Texas, Burton James Willingham of Houston, Texas, and John Woodson Willingham of Bermuda Run, NC; Christine Willingham, wife of Frank, Jr., Delby Willingham, wife of Burton J., and Donna Willingham, wife of John; and three beloved granddaughters, Cory Francesca Willingham of Houston, Texas, Lucy Catherine Willingham of Houston, Texas, and Virginia Ranlet Willingham Beard, "Peachy," of Greensboro, NC (husband John Beard IV); and great-grandchildren John Beard V, Virginia Beard, and Lucy Eloise van der Does. She is survived also by a devoted and greatly loved sister, Eleanor James Vance of Arbor Acres, Winston-Salem, NC.

Each and every one of these cherished loved ones had his or her own special place in her heart, along with her deep and abiding love of God.

Lucy left this last message for her family, and I quote: "May today there be peace within…May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be…May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith…May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you…May you be content knowing you are a child of God…Let his presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to love, to sing, and to dance…It is there for each and every one of you…May God bless you and keep you in the palm of his hand."

Mom was the quintessential southern "Lady." And she was given three rowdies to raise, who liked cowboys and Indians, cap guns, roughhousing, chemistry sets in the basement, fishing, camping, hiking, every kind of tool, and all things outdoors. She pulled it off with great aplomb, and we survived and thrived. She mesmerized us with the most wonderful stories of her childhood, the years in New York (where she sang on Broadway), Wheeling, WV and the war, family history, and so much more. She was a gentle soul with a lovely touch of steel, and an unfailing faith. She was a wonderful wife and mother. So we bid farewell to our dear "Mommydoodle." We look forward to reconvening the family fun in heaven. We want to say a very special thanks to two amazing angels who have done so much for Mom that they have really become family, Sherry Smith and Gail Merricks. Thank you, thank you.

Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Lucy, please consider the Fries-Willingham Fund at the Winston-Salem Foundation or the Houston Aphasia Recovery Center, 5005 Woodway Drive, Suite 110, Houston, Texas 77056.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, February 1, at 11 a.m. at Home Moravian Church, 529 S. Church Street, Winston-Salem, NC. Condolences may be shared online at www.salemfh.com.

Frank, B.J., and John

Salem Funeral & Cremation Service

120 S. Main St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101