Sue Thigpen Lucas

Sue was born in Shaw, MS on May 10, 1931 to Ora and J.A. Thigpen. She graduated from Shaw High School and attended Ole Miss and later finished her bachelor’s degree at Belhaven College and then received her master’s degree in history at Mississippi College. Sue married Calvin Jarnigan Lucas, Jr. and together they had 2 children, Calvin Jarnigan Lucas III (Rene) and Anne Lucas Butler (Richard). She taught Western Civilization at Belhaven, Millsaps, and Mississippi College for several years and loved family time, traveling, reading, cooking, gardening, and volunteering for many organizations.

She volunteered at Baptist Hospital for many years and started a flower project for selling flowers in the gift shop to support the hospital. This project continues today and has made thousands of dollars through the years, used to purchase wheelchairs, security cars, golf carts to transport patients around campus, furnish waiting rooms, and many other important projects at Baptist Hospital. In addition, she served as president and served on the board of directors of the Mississippi Baptist Medical Center Auxiliary. She also served as president and other offices of the Continental Club.

As a breast cancer survivor, she began volunteering at the American Cancer Society. She started as a volunteer with the Hinds County Unit as Public Education Chairman, then became a Reach to Recovery Volunteer. She was elected to the Division Board of Directors for Reach to Recovery, then served as the Division Reach to Recovery Coordinator for six years. Next, she served as Division Public Education Chairman, followed by being elected to the American Cancer Society National Advisory Board. She became a national representative for Reach to Recovery and a trainer for Reach to Recovery volunteers. She was a board member for the Hinds County Unit of the American Cancer Society and the Rehab Chairman for the same unit. She wrote the National Reach to Recovery volunteer manual used throughout the United States.

The greatest honor she received was being chosen as the recipient of the National St. George Medal Award given by the American Cancer Society. This is given to the outstanding Division volunteer in recognition of their distinguished service in achieving the society’s goals.

One of her greatest joys was teaching Sunday School for 55 years. Her knowledge and understanding of the Bible led to many theological discussions with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Sue is survived by her son Cal Lucas (Rene), daughter Anne Butler (Richard), 7 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents Ora and J.A. Thigpen, and her husband of 50 years, Calvin Jarnigan Lucas, Jr.

A graveside celebration of her life will be held at Parkway Memorial Cemetery on Saturday, May 9, at 1:00 p.m. Due to quarantine restrictions there is a limit of 20 people for the graveside area which will be immediate family members. Others who would like to pay their respects are welcome but must remain in or near their cars or in the open grassy area nearby, following social distancing rules.

Memorial Donations may be made in her name to the Gideons International Organization.

The family truly cherishes and thanks each of you who have prayed for our beloved Sue and for us during this unusual time.