Nell Lunceford

Nell Lunceford, age 92, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, passed away on June 12, 2025. A celebration of her life will be held at Memory Chapel on Skyland Boulevard on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with Bro. Herb Thomas officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Nell was preceded in death by her husband Festus H. Lunceford, her son Howard (Chris) Lunceford and her parents, Bascom and Mamie Patton Booth. She had 13 brothers and sisters in which she was the oldest and is survived by one brother, Tony Booth (Donna).

Cherishing her memory are her son James Calvin Lunceford (Lori); her daughter, Robin Lunceford; and her granddaughter, Aden Lunceford. Nell was incredibly proud of her family, especially her granddaughter. She was thrilled that Aden lived nearby in Tuscaloosa, where they shared a love of flowers, laughter, and special moments. She was proud knowing Aden would graduate in August with her master’s degree from The University of Alabama.

Nell was a lifelong resident of Tuscaloosa and graduated from Holt High School. She was a devoted member of Circlewood Baptist Church for over 50 years. She owned and operated Jolly Time Daycare for over 40 years, where her love for children left a lasting impact. Many of the children stayed in touch well into adulthood, including one special little boy, Mark Wheat, who remained a lifelong friend. He continued to visit and receive her famous pound cakes, but that is just one example of the many relationships she nurtured over the years.

Nell approached life with strength, courage, and a humor. She was deeply proud of her family and found comfort in her strong faith. A devoted Christian, she loved the Lord, her family, church, Sunday School class, and community. Nell lived a full life as a loving mother, homemaker, and businesswoman. A farm girl at heart, she found joy in growing and sharing her daylilies and treasured the time spent cooking with her daughter. Flowers and food were her love languages, and she shared both generously with those around her.

Above all, the love of her life was her husband Festus, her knight in shining armor, although he wore work clothes more often than not. They were married for 55 years, and though he passed away in August 2008, she carried his love with her always.

Pallbearers will be Eric Duren, Lee Foley, Chad Green, Greg Lee, Brad Avery, Wes Powell, Mark Wheat, and DeWayne McIntosh. Honorary pallbearer will be Danny Broadhead, with whom she shared her daylilies and her famous lemon icebox pies.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many friends and loved ones who supported Nell with visits, calls, and prayers. Special thanks to Jo Russell, Judy Skelton Thomas, Gladys Hudson, Gavin and Twinkle French, JC & Lorene Sims, Ora Fields, Renee Robertson, Brad Avery, Greg Lee, Bro. Herb and Mrs. Virginia, Judy Batson, Danny and Shirley Broached, Joyce and Bobby Shields, Bonnie Walters, Debbie Duncan, Brittany Richardson, Linda Hodges, and so many others. Deep appreciation to her cousins Melinda Duren (Eric), Anita Powell (Fred), Debbie Stallings, and Judy Aldridge. She loved you all dearly!