Order of Service for Kenneth Lucas Processional.................................................................................................Hero Praise and Worship Prayer................................................................................Elder Leonard Miller Scripture Reading.............Ecclesiastes 3............Norlene Phillips (Daughter) Congregational Hymn................................What a Friend We Have in Jesus Reflections -Deborah Lucas (Daughter) -Keturah Lucas (Granddaughter) -Khari McKell (Grandson) -Barbara Facey (Niece) Open floor – limit to 2 minutes Musical Selection...................................I’m Free.....................................Focus Video Presentation Musical Tribute............................................................................Eddie Gunter Eulogy Reading..............................Maureen Matherson and Sydney Brown Musical Selection..................................Healing.......................................Focus Sermon........................................................................Pastor S. Robert Stewart Recessional..........................................................When We All Get to Heaven
Tributes
Letter To My Father
“I am” written in the book of life. “I am” suggests I am who I am, there is no change. You exhibited these god-like traits, remaining steadfast and living by your principles. You lived life the way you saw fit, not deterring from the high standards you set for yourself. You worked very hard, sometimes two and three jobs. It was not about achieving wealth – you simply loved to work ensuring your independence, not wanting or needing to borrow from others. You were also very loving; you had your time when you showed it. You were stern; that was your true personality, firm in what you believed and your word final. In the latter, you were always right. I love you dearly dad. You were very stern with me and I love you for it. I kept out of trouble because I feared you, at the same time I loved you. I never wanted to disappoint you in no way, shape or form. You were the man. Period! Written by: Duan Lucas (Son)
Kenneth Alfred Lucas
A father worth remembering! A man of integrity! On his words he stood, who it seems would defend his point unto death. Debating with him was not an easy task, and not one soon won either. He understood you take what life gave – no complaints You do what needs to be done A man in every sense of the word! He prided himself on his independence, but never shun when duty calls As he would say at times “Hard work never killed anyone” He abhorred the lazy I believe that was the one thing that ticked him off the most! Why? Because he became a man early in life, So there was no excuse with Kenneth Alfred Lucas! We will miss you gregarious laughter and infectious smile You’ve brighten many a day with your funny faces You gave us what you didn’t have, a father for long You became a son, a brother, an uncle you can depend on. Oh yes! You will be missed! Every Christmas, every birthday, every time the word daddy is mentioned You will be a thought away, just a thought away Gone in the flesh, but never to be forgotten No more tears! No more betrayals! Farewell daddy! We love you!!! Written by: Georgette Lucas (Daughter)
Eulogy
When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This was Kenneth Alfred Lucas, a man of great integrity who clearly communicated just who he was and what he was all about. Firm in what he believed, Kenneth lived his life how he saw fit. Kenneth was born on January 25, 1940 in St. Ann, Jamaica, the youngest of nine children. His parents were James and Christiana Lucas, and they raised their family in Clover Hill, Jamaica. Kenneth had four sisters, Mildred, Iris, Rita, and Alice; and four brothers, Neville, Lenny, Vincent, and Ferdinand. Although Kenneth was the last, he often acted as the first, taking on a great deal of responsibility early on to help provide for the family. Even as a young boy, his strong work ethic was plain to see. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he would carry with him throughout his life. An objective and conscientious individual, Kenneth reveled in the security of his family. On January 20, 1968 Kenneth exchanged wedding vows with Urcelena McDonald at the Ridgemount Presbyterian Church of Manchester, Jamaica. Kenneth and Urcelena were blessed with five children. They had two sons and three daughters. Ever watchful of his children, Kenneth was deeply concerned for their development as they grew. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing, always loving but stern. He had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. On his words he stood, and his word was final. The family would grow even larger in the years to come, welcoming six grandchildren, as well as six great-grandchildren. Kenneth understood that you take what life gives you – and you do what needs to be done. He was always willing to help someone in need and especially appreciated a person who could take it upon themselves to better their own circumstances. Whether it was a grandchild coming home from college or another relative visiting from out of town, Kenneth was always quick to give some pocket money and lend a hand to those in need. He also often went out of his way to help the older people in his community, driving them to pick up their prescriptions or take them to the grocery store. Kenneth would often say, “Hard work never killed anyone.” During some points in his life, he even held down two or three jobs at a time. For Kenneth, it wasn’t about achieving wealth – rather, it was most important to stay independent and self-sufficient when providing for his family. He spent the majority of his work life as a maintenance and repair professional, dedicating 26+ years of service to the Bay Harbor Police Station. Kenneth praised efficiency, always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track.
He was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “Give me a job, and I’ll get it done.” Although Kenneth was well known for his solid work ethic, he still made time to enjoy some of life’s pleasures – doing so with gregarious laughter, an infectious smile, and a good joke or two. He loved dominoes and could often be found outside in the back yard playing a game with a cigar in hand. He was a member of The Domino Group and even took home the Runner Up trophy shortly after joining. It was the first time a newcomer had ever won the award. Kenneth was also skilled in the kitchen and loved cooking up meals for the whole family, especially his famous ackee and saltfish breakfast on Christmas mornings. And when it came time to travel or take a vacation, the Caribbean islands were his favorite places to visit. When Kenneth’s retirement finally arrived in 2002, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been attended to. Always industrious, Kenneth certainly had no plans of spending his retirement sitting still. Rather, he assumed the responsibility of vice president of his homeowner’s association, weighing in on important initiatives and interviewing potential buyers. He also took the opportunity to make a living from one of his other greatest passions, horticulture. And so he put his talents to work and began offering landscaping and gardening services, beautifying the community in the process. Kenneth passed away peacefully on January 12, 2013 at his home in Miami, Florida following a courageous battle with lung cancer. He is survived by his wife, Urcelena; his children, Locksley, Norlene, Duan, Georgette, and Deborah; his grandchildren, Iziah, Georgina, Kareem, Waneka, Keturah, and Khari; his sisters, Mildred and Iris; his brother, Vincent; and a host of other family members and friends.
As a Father/ Grandfather
He is the epitome of what a man should be. He was Courageous, smart, handsome, charming, hardworking, loving, and loyal to his morals. I remember when I was five years old and had to be in bed by eight, but I knew my grandpa was getting off at ten or eleven so I would go to bed and wake up at ten to meet him at the door. We would then go to the room and he would tell me to take off his shoes and we would watch wrestling together for a little bit and then I would go back to the room. I looked forward to doing that every night. It was the little things that made that man great. He prepared me to understand what the feeling of being in love is - ‘’when you can’t eat or sleep”. My role models were not your typical people like Michael Jordan or any other household famous names; it was my grandpa first, then my immediate family. He was the perfect man I needed in my life. I never met a man so hardworking and took pride in everything he did. He always aimed to be the best in everything he did. He still lives on…… Written by: Kareem Lucas (Grandson)
Acknowledgments
Perhaps you sent a lovely card, or sat quietly in a chair; Perhaps you sent a floral piece, if so, we saw it there. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words that any friend could say. Perhaps you were not there at all; just thought of us that day. Whatever you did to console our hearts, we thank you so much whatever the part. - The Family
Pallbearers
Duan Lucas (Son) Kareem Lucas (Grandson) Khari McKell (Grandson) Mellard Johnson (Nephew) Sydney Brown (Nephew) Leroy Long (Nephew)
Funeral Home
Southern Memorial Funeral Home 15011 West Dixie Highway North Miami, FL 33181-1019 (305) 940-6304
Interment
Southern Memorial Park 15000 West Dixie Highway North Miami, FL 33181 305-947-3543
Repast
Pentecostal Tabernacle International Fellowship Hall 18415 NW 7th Ave Miami, FL 33169