In Loving Memory Of
Lucille Adell (Cross)
Daniels
Lucille Adell (Cross) Daniels was born in a log cabin
at Katie, Okla., to Claude and Minnie (Woodward) Cross on September 27,
1922. She died on April 9, 2007 at home in Pauls Valley.
Dementia was the terrible thief that stole her memory, then her
personality one piece at a time. She was its victim until at last she
let go of food, of fear, of need, of life.
In honor of her death and in lieu of flowers, Adell would have wanted
you to live fully, do a kind deed, give an encouraging word, share some
treasure, mend a quarrel, keep a promise, find the time, forgo a grudge,
forgive an enemy, pray for peace, worship God more, and thank God for
what you have, whether great or small.
Adell attended grade school at Katie and high school at Elmore City. She
was valedictorian of her graduating class. She attended Hills Business
College in Oklahoma City and worked at Douglas Air Force Base during the
war.
She obeyed God at age 15. She loved her Lord and His church and
dedicated her life to it.
She grew up during the depression and her life reflected the struggle of
those early years. Much of her value system and the manner in which she
lived reflected the times when she had little material means. So, as an
adult, she tried to find frugal ways to give and reach out to others.
Adell loved eating, especially sweets, gardening, selling her produce,
garage sales, reading her Bible, and finding ways to thank the common
person who made her feel like their friend.
She worked several years as a provider, caring for the elderly. She had
a sweet smile for everyone she met and a deep desire to bring joy to all
she encountered. She never visited without bringing the bounties of her
garden. She wrote many letters of thankfulness and encouragement, never
failing to mention her love for God and our need to always rely on Him
for strength and in the face of adversity.
Through the example of her life, she taught her daughters many lessons.
Hard work brings sweet rest at the end of the day. She taught the
importance of education and of treating everyone with respect and
kindness, the power of perseverance, the sacred spiritual connections in
everyday life, and the true meaning of unconditional love.
There is little harder in life than watching the slow disappearance of
someone you love. Alzheimer’s is a contagious disease that spreads its
suffering to anyone within the range of love. Millions of families have
caught it. Ours is just one. Yet here too, she taught us more than
simply how to bear a burden.
Adell is survived by her husband of 49 years, Earl Daniels of Pauls
Valley; daughter, Tamala Zolicoffer of Oklahoma City; and daughter,
Sherry, and husband, Derryl White of Pryor, Okla.
She is also survived by her son-in-law, A.W. (Bill) Raffensberger of
York, Pa.; her niece, Pearl Jean of Pauls Valley; seven grandchildren
and 11 great-grandchildren; several people on the fringe of whose life
she brought joy; friends who loved her deeply; and a world that
struggles to accept people with mental illness.
She was preceded in death by her son, Randall Zale Patterson; daughters,
Brenda Raffensberger and Patricia Lea-Raffensberger; sister, Ethel
Terry; brothers, Cleo and Arthur Cross; and her parents.
The family would like to thank the caregivers and home health and
hospice workers who provided their loving touch and support.
Funeral services will be held Friday, April 13, 2007 at 2:00 pm at Paul
and Pine Church of Christ officiated by Roy Shave. Burial will be at
Katie Cemetery under the direction of Stufflebean-Coffey Funeral Home.