Senate Resolution 85

A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE PASSING AND COMMENDING THE EFFECTIVE PUBLIC SERVICE OF FORMER MOUND BAYOU MAYOR EARL S. LUCAS AND EXTENDING CONDOLENCES TO HIS SURVIVING FAMILY.

WHEREAS, we join the citizens of Mound Bayou, Mississippi, in mourning the passing of former mayor Earl S. Lucas, who passed away on March 31, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Earl S. Lucas was born on January 1, 1938, in Renova, Bolivar County, Mississippi, to William Hyman Lucas, Sr., and Lillie Bell Rushing. He earned a B.A. in Political Science at Dillard University in 1957. In the early 1960's, under the sponsorship of the National Science Foundation, he took graduate courses at Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin, and DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana; and

WHEREAS, from 1958 to 1964, he taught math and science in Shelby, Mississippi. In 1965, he became Executive Director of the Manpower Training Program in Systematic Training and Redevelopment, Incorporated (STAR). As Executive Director, he created an education program for poor and/or minority adult residents of Bolivar County and assisted residents in finding employment; and

WHEREAS, from 1969 to 1993, he served as mayor of Mound Bayou, Mississippi. During his tenure as mayor, he secured funding to pave streets, construct a water and sewer system and build public facilities and housing; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Lucas was a founding member of the Southern Conference of Black Mayors (SCBM) and held the office of Treasurer from 1974 to 1980. He served as President of the Mississippi Conference of Black Mayors and as Parliamentarian of the National Conference of Black Mayors (successor to SCBM). In 1976, President Jimmy Carter appointed him Chairman of the U.S. Public Health Service Corps Advisory Council; and

WHEREAS, upon retiring from politics in 1993, he worked as a consultant in healthcare and with the Delta Foundation in Greenville, Mississippi, assisting minority business owners. Mr. Lucas had been a founding member of the Delta Foundation and served on its Board of Directors from 1969 to 1983; and

WHEREAS, he served on the Saint Gabriel Missionary Catholic School Board in Mound Bayou and was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Throughout his life, he received numerous awards for leadership and outstanding service to organizations and communities; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Lucas was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Willie B. Lucas, M.D. He is survived by his siblings Izona Blue, Kathleen Holmas, William Hymon Lucas, Jr., Beatrice Hall, Dorothy Lightfoot, Darrin Moore and Cynthia Watson. He is also survived by his wife of 65 years, Marliee, and their children: Eric Lucas, M.D., Vicki Lucas, Carla Lucas Wiley, Esq., Tina Lucas-Glass, M.D., Mark Lucas and Kendric Lucas. Additionally, he is survived by his son, Jimmy Stokes, twenty grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, a host of cousins, nieces and nephews; and

WHEREAS, we pay tribute and cherish fondly the memory of this most public-spirited citizen of Mississippi whose enormous civic energy is an example for all Mississippians:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the passing and commend the effective public service of former Mound Bayou Mayor Earl S. Lucas and extend condolences to his surviving family.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Mayor Lucas, forwarded to the Board of Aldermen of Mound Bayou and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.