Rev. Lucille Elaine Abernathy

A true star was born March 8, 1944 a bouncing baby girl with a twinkle in her eye in Hattiesburg, Mississippi to Ulysses Sr. & Ruther Mae McNair joining siblings Ruby, and Ulysses Jr. Later siblings Ora Dee, Alice Ruth & Willie Earl were added to the family. The latter two passed away as children.

Lucille lived an extraordinary life rooted in faith and family. A loving and devoted wife, Lucille was married to her beloved husband, Garlen Abernathy Jr. who she lovingly referred to as her "Garlen Darlin" for over 57 years providing unwavering love and support to one another throughout their time together. Their union was full of love and adventures few get to experience. To this beautiful union two wonderful and amazing children were born: Kelly Marie, and 22 months later Jason Garlen arrived and their party of four was complete. Years later, Lucille earned her most prized title as "Grandma" to Jordan & Jadon who brought so much joy and pride to her life, especially as she was blessed to attend both of their college graduations.

Travel was one of her greatest joys. While studying at Princeton, she visited Israel, an experience that touched her deeply ~ meeting Israelis and Palestinians alike while walking the streets of the Holy Land. Later, she and her devoted husband shared many cross-country adventures, driving from Cleveland to San Francisco, exploring Arizona's Painted Desert and the breathtaking landscapes of Zion National Park in Utah, and making Niagara Falls & Toronto an annual family destination where laughter, love and new experiences awaited. Living over 500 miles from her daughter and grandsons, she was intent on making sure Jordan & Jadon knew them, so they made regular visits throughout the year including Christmas'.

To know Lucille was to witness a true Renaissance woman - gifted with many talents and a boundless creative spirit. She poured her heart into everything she did - preaching and teaching the Word of God, sharing her wisdom and faith generously. Shaping clay into art, painting life onto canvas, handcrafting beautiful dolls, creating delicious meals, sewing and crocheting treasures that will be cherished for years to come. Her many gifts were a reflection of her vibrant spirit, her deep love for detail and design, her deep faith, and her boundless love for family, friends, and community. Whatever she touched - whether hearts, minds, or materials - she transformed with grace and purpose.

Over the course of Lucille's lifetime on earth, she worked for various companies and held several titles prior to ministry. She worked for Ohio Bell, Minnesota Fabrics, Holiday Inn and Cleveland Public Schools. At the age of 35, Lucille was called to ministry. The acceptance of her call led her to Bishop College, where she received her bachelor's degree with a major in Religion. She made history there becoming the first female president of Bishop College's Lyceum (association of ministers). Upon receiving her degree she continued her education by attending the prestigious Princeton Theological Seminary graduating with a Masters of Divinity, a school she didn't even apply to - they found her. Upon graduation and working in various churches, Lucille was ordained by Dr. William Sanders right here at Lee Road Baptist Church over 40 years ago and became the first African American woman ordained in the American Baptist Churches (ABC) of Cleveland. Upon ordination, Rev. Abernathy was installed as pastor of Hough United Church of Christ UCC and later Auburn Community Church. Rev. Abernathy has filled a variety of roles in ministry, writing Sunday school curriculum for American Baptist Churches, preaching and teaching at numerous churches schools and retreats over the years, including New Freedom Ministries

After a brief yet valiant fight, Lucille laid down her earthly struggles and in God's perfect timing was called home on the morning of Sunday, August 10, 2025. Her faith was unshakable, and she has now found peace everlasting.

Lucille was predeceased in death by her devoted husband of over 57 years, Garlen Abernathy Jr, who only five months earlier paved the way for their eternal reunion together again. Lucille was also predeceased by her parents Ulysses & Ruther Mae McNair, her brothers Ulysses McNair Jr. and Willie Earl McNair; her sister, Alice Ruth McNair; brothers-in-law Marconi Wright and Larry Abernathy.

Among those who will forever treasure her memory are her devoted son, Mr. Jason Garlen Abernathy and her dutiful daughter, Min. Kelly Abernathy, both with whom she shared an unbreakable bond as well as her best friend and most trusted confidant, Rev. Tonya Fields, who was truly a daughter, sister and friend rolled into one. The three of them with loving devotion cared for her during her final weeks. Her heart was fullest when surrounded by her two treasured grandsons, Jordan Porch and Jadon Porch, who brought boundless joy & laughter into her world and a source of pride.

Rev. Abernathy is also survived by her sisters, Ruby Wright and Ora D. McNair; her brother-in-law Timothy Abernathy (Janice) and sisters-in-law Jean Evans (Robert); Regina Abernathy and LaJean McNair; her nieces; Michelle "Miki" Wright (Derek), Nishon Wright, Lisa Wright, Paula McNair, Traci Simmons (Bruce) and Anise Robinson (Bryce). Her nephews; Eric McNair (Kathy), Michael "Frankie" McNair, Dawud "Chuckie" Muhammad (Phyllis), Ty Abernathy, Jonathan Evans (Kahrema), Troy Abernathy, Anthony Abernathy and Aaron Abernathy along with a host of great nieces & nephews, extended family members and cherished dear friends. In addition, her honorary granddaughter, Patricia Battle who held a special place in her heart; she was also blessed by the love of Veta Taylor, who was like a daughter to her along with her goddaughter, Shavauntae Taylor both of whose gentle care was a blessing in her final season. All of whom were touched by her presence and will carry forward her legacy of love, faith and wisdom.

Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that our mother and grandmother is now at peace, reunited with the love of her life and resting in the arms of her Savior. Her light will continue to shine brightly in the lives of all who knew and loved her.

"Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it."

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭12‬:‭7‬ ‭KJV