Lucille was born in Nacogdoches County on August 31, 1928, and would live in Nacogdoches all her adult life. Lucille became a Christian in her early teenage years and often credited Mrs. Lillian Fuller as being instrumental by encouraging and leading her in the path toward Christianity. While a young woman working in Nacogdoches, Lucille became friends with Gladys Clifton. Gladys introduced her brother, Wade Clifton, to Lucille while he was home on leave from the war in 1944. She said they knew right away they had met their life partner. On November 1, 1946, they were married in Garrison, Texas by Bro. Calvin Honea.
At the time of her death, Lucille was the widow of Willis Wade Clifton, losing him in August 1988. Many times she told her children her life began anew when she married their father. She considered her life as a Christian, a wife, mother, and homemaker to be her calling and it was her greatest joy. Three children were born to them: Allen Clifton, Becky Clifton-Moore, and Helen Sparks. Not always blessed with good health, she persevered.
She was an active member of University Baptist Church for over 50 years who prayed earnestly for her family, friends and for unknown persons in need. Her deep faith in and love for her Savior was always a constant source of strength and comfort to her. Her children and grandchildren do rise up and call her blessed.
Lucille was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a grandson, Jason Clifton; son-in-law, Thomas E. Sparks; sisters, Lillie Mae Page, Alma Fountain, and Lois Hilliard; and brothers Verman Perry, Boyd Perry, and Ollie T. Perry.
She is survived by her son, Allen Clifton and his wife, Laura Clifton of Nacogdoches; daughter, Becky Clifton-Moore and her husband, Pat Moore of San Antonio; and daughter, Helen Sparks of Nacogdoches and grandchildren Michael Wisener and wife, Janice; Melissa Henson and Rebecca Ashcroft and husband Michael; great grandchildren, Laura Bolser, Olivia, Kaleb, and Dylan Clifton; Ryan Gafford, Sean O'Neill, and Jeremiah Ashcroft; and brother, George Perry.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19, 2018, at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel officiated by Bro. Brett Maisel. Interment will follow at Helpenstell Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Saturday, August 18, 2018, at Cason Monk-Metcalf.
The family wishes to express gratitude to Dr. Randal Vinther, Dr. Lloyd G. Whitely, the staff of Nacogdoches Medical Center Hospital, and Hospice of East Texas for the special care given to their mother in the past years and in recent illness.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.
