Lucy Maude Franks Warden

Lucy Maude Franks Warden went to be with her Lord, peacefully at home in DeRidder, Louisiana, on April 01, 2018 surrounded by her family, at the age of 80.

Lucy, lovingly known to many of her classmates, friends, and relatives as Lucy Maude, was born in her childhood home on October 28, 1937 in Bivens, LA.  During her years at home, she was loved dearly by her family.  She was a hard worker, and had many chores and responsibilities, inside and outside the home.  She was raised without all the modern conveniences, like electricity and indoor plumbing.  Life was not easy, but she was taught well, and quickly learned how to cook, clean, sew, work in the fields, and so much more.  These things she learned to do as a child, she continued to do into adulthood, and every day of her life, until her health declined to the point that she could no longer perform them.  Even then, she continued to push herself, every day to do what she could.

The most important thing Lucy was taught was about God and His Son, Jesus, a foundation she built her life of over 80 years on.  Until she became unable to speak, Lucy shared God’s unconditional love with anyone, and everyone she would meet, whether it was in Walmart, or with a new visitor at church.  Many of her last conversations were about the numerous blessings God had given her, through the hard times and the good times, what she just called “life”.  She knew from whom, and from where, all her blessings came from.

On July 20, 1956, Lucy married Luther J. Warden, Jr., known to many as “L.J.”, “Luther”, or as she affectionately called him, “Junior”.  They were “one” for over 61 years.  As most of you know, life after marriage is never easy or perfect.  Theirs was certainly no different.  But, through it all they used the examples of strong Christian marriages, and the wisdom and teachings from God as to how to have a long successful life together.

After marrying Junior, they lived in the Port Arthur, Port Acres, and Orange, Texas areas before moving back to Louisiana.  After returning to Louisiana, they lived in Rosepine and the DeRidder area.

Lucy was known for her unselfish ways, generosity, loving hospitality and great sense of humor.  She was also a woman who was proud of her “job” as a homemaker.  Lucy was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, daughter and friend.  She had many roles in life, and tried to live them all just as she thought God would want her to.

The union between this couple produced 3 children.  Together, they raise their children knowing the love of God and His Son Jesus, teaching each one the joy of living a blessed life in Christ.  Lucy always said that her family was the biggest blessing from God, second only to her salvation through Jesus.

When Lucy and Junior moved back to the Rosepine/DeRidder area, they began to worship at the Bilbo and Roberts Church of Christ, where she faithfully attended until her death.  Lucy truly loved her church family.

Lucy Maude Franks Warden was preceded in death by her parents, Nathan (Jake) and Ethel (McGee) Franks, and her sister, Betty Jo Giles.  She is lovingly remembered by her faithful husband, Luther J. Warden, Jr., two daughters, Karan (Kenneth) Coleman of DeRidder and Lisa (Lance) Willis of Plainview, LA, and one son, Mark (Brenda) Warden of DeRidder.  Seven grandchildren, Keith Trussell of Cumberland, MD, Dana Trussell of DeRidder, Natalie (Chad) Ray of Plainview, Jeremy (Holly) Hart of Plainview, Matthew (Christy) Warden of Florien, Stephanie Hart of Plainview, and Luke Warden of DeRidder.  Thirteen great grandchildren:  Dalton Thompson, Drake Ray and Marlee Hart, all of Plainview.  Hannah Warden of Florien, Jake Hart of Plainview, Mason Warden of Florien, Isaac Trussell of Cumberland, MD, Levi Warden of DeRidder, Payslee Dalquist of DeRidder, Brody Smith of Plainview, Ivee Dalquist and Lanie Warden, both of DeRidder, and Bryson Hart of Plainview, LA.  One sister - Alma (Jerry) Callahan, two brothers – Walter (Carol) Franks and Bruce (Christine) Franks – all of Merryville, LA.

The family would like to thank all of her special friends for all the prayers, calls, visits, food, hugs and the love shown to her.  Dr. Duplechain, Dr. Phillips, Cabrini Cancer Center, St. Joseph Hospice, and, most of all, our Loving Graceful God for giving her eternal healing and peace.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 from 5:00 – 9:00 PM at Bilbo & Roberts Church of Christ in DeRidder, LA.  Visitation will continue beginning at 10:00 AM until the time of the funeral service at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, April 4, 2018 also at Bilbo & Roberts Church of Christ.  Graveside “Going Home Celebration” at Bivens Cemetery in Merryville, LA.