Barbara Jean (Brunson) Lucas

BARBARA JEAN BRUNSON, daughter of the late Alex and Bennetta Brunson was born August 28, 1941, in Birmingham, Alabama, and was raised in Cuba, Alabama.

Barbara was the third of five children. She began elementary school in Cuba, AL until her family moved to Akron, Ohio where she continued school and was a graduate of Central High School in Akron, Ohio.

Barbara was united in holy matrimony with the love of her life, Archie Washington Lucas, Jr. on December 31, 1959.  They were blessed with two children, Troy Anthony and DaMita Jo.

Barbara accepted Christ at an early age, and she remained faithful to God and His teachings throughout her life.

Barbara's education continued with receiving a certificate in Early Childhood Education from the University of Akron and a Bachelor of Religious Education from Berean Bible & Technical College. She went on to achieve academic excellence by obtaining a Master's Degree in Theology, and she received a Doctorate in Divinity, graduating Summa Cum Laude and Valedictorian from International Apostolic College of Grace and Truth in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Dr. Lucas was an Ordained Minister in the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. She is a former Ecclesiastical member of the Beth-El Fellowship of Visionary Churches, under the leadership of Bishop F J Johnson.

Dr. Lucas was the former Establishmentarian and Senior Pastor of Chapel of Grace Christian Center.  She was a member of International Ministerial Alliance  (IMA) and Love Akron under the past leadership of Pastor Mark Ford.  Her ministry was founded upon the anointed Word of God answering the mandate of bringing in the end-time harvest.

Dr. Lucas has been recognized as a woman of outstanding leadership abilities. She formerly served on the Religious Involvement Committee of the Summit County Children Board, the Board of Love in the Name of Christ. Vice-President of Momentum-Anew, Inc., the Ohio Christian Education Association, Secretary of Berean Bible & Technical College Alumni Association, and Adjunct Professor of Abundant Grace Institute of Higher Learning and Bible Institute.

Dr. Lucas has always been a champion of mentoring young men and women and was looked upon as a woman of integrity, courage, strength, and above all, a woman of faith. Resulting from a cry for help, she founded Women Across America, Inc., where she served as the Executive Director.

At the time of her passing, Dr. Lucas was a faithful and devoted member of the F.A.F.C.  Faith Place under the leadership of Bishop Samuel L Hampton, II.

Dr. Lucas's unpublished literary works include:  the Doctrine of Fasting, the Graf-Wellhausen Hypothesis, Co-author of Team Evangelism, Minister's Manual, Visitation Manual, and Observation of Emerging Ministries.

Dr. Lucas was a recipient of the Akron Black Women's Leadership Caucus Award;  the YWCA recipient of Black Women of Excellence Award and she was distinguished as one of "Ohio Finest Citizen" from the State Senate.

Dr. Lucas was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Archie W. Lucas Jr., her son Troy Anthony Lucas, Sr., and her grandson, Troy Anthony Lucas, Jr.; her sister Gracie Lee Brunson Weems Wheeler, and her brother, Willie James Brunson.

Dr. Lucas leaves behind a loving family to honor and continue her legacy. She is survived by her daughter, DaMita J. Walker, and her daughter-in-law, Barbara A. Lucas, who is the widow of her late son, Troy A. Lucas Sr., her brother, Bennie Brunson of Huntley, IL, her sister, Teresa (Harry) Sias of Olympia Fields, IL, and her half-sister, Sherrion Martin of Richton Park, IL, remain to cherish her memory.

Dr. Lucas's legacy also includes her grandchildren: Troshaunda (Gerell) Elie, D'Aja Walker, and J'Ada Walker. Her great-grandchildren, Trevell Elie, Jashaun Elie, Trokell Lucas, Ava Lucas, and Ash Lucas, carry forward her spirit and love. She is also survived by her aunt, Bernice Delaine of Cuba, Alabama, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins who were dear to her heart.

Dr. Lucas's best friend, Dr. Joyce Hilton, along with many lifelong friends, sons, and daughters in the ministry, will remember her fondly and continue to be inspired by her wisdom and kindness.