Lucille Sappington died on June 23, 2017 at her home in Joplin, Missouri.
Lucille was born on October 31, 1922, in Stella, Missouri to Leta and Noah Cullers. She was the first of six children. It was in Stella she spent her early years. Coming from musical parents she loved to sing, play piano and violin. While attending school at Stella, she met her future husband Gerald (Junior) Sappington. They were married on Easter Sunday 1941 and at Gerald’s death in 2006 they had celebrated 65 years together.
Spending her married life as a homemaker, she was Gerald’s greatest support, caring for their four children, entertaining all who entered the parsonage, reading every sermon, singing in the choir, playing piano and cooking, cooking, cooking. Right after they retired from the ministry she earned the title Master Angler after catching a monster fish while on a fishing trip to Canada with friends.
Lucille and Gerald ministered 30 years in churches of Missouri from Joplin to Hopkins. After retirement they returned to Stella where they enjoyed swimming in Indian Creek, checking their cattle and being with close-at-hand relatives and friends. They especially liked Friday night dances at the Community Center.
In 2002 Lucille moved to Spring River Retirement Village where she lived the rest of her life. She was an avid reader throughout her life and took a number of college classes. Her bubbling personality was enjoyed by all who knew her.
She had learned the fine art of “adjusting” to the situation and always made the best wherever she landed. And no matter where she went she was dressed for the occasion and never left her home without looking the elegant person she was.
Cultivating many friends throughout her life, Lucille’s last years were especially enriched by her loving friend Richard Kelly.
At her death she has all four children living, Patricia and Jim Pierce in Rayville MO, Preston and Carol Sappington in Parkville, MO, Mark and Beth Sappington in Diamond, MO and John Sappington in Sebastapol, CA. She leaves ten grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Still living is her sister Frances Lynn and her brother Charles Cullers. Lucille will be missed by her family as well as all those who knew and loved her.
A Celebration of Lucille’s life will be held at the Stella United Methodist Church Saturday, July 1, 2017. Visitation proceeding the Service at 9:00 a.m., Service at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Graveside Service at Macedonia Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, her family suggests contributions to the organization of your choice.
Services are under the direction of Clark Funeral Home, Neosho, MO.
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