“This Little Light of Mine,” “Amazing Grace,” “After All I’ve Been Through, I Still Have Joy” are some of the songs Jamilia Lucas led others in singing during her birthday celebration on Saturday, April 14.
The 42-year-old loves God and gospel music. Her family and friends believe that it was her love of God that spared her life in 1988 when she was involved in a near-fatal car accident. Lucas was a sophomore at Carver High School at the time. She was on her way to pick up items for the prom when the accident occurred.
Members of Carver’s Diamond Club, a female success and service club sponsored by Felecia Piggott-Long, attended the party to present Lucas with a pink and green Carver High School hat, a blue and gold Yellow Jacket necklace and a book about the history of the upcoming National Black Theatre Festival.
Mayor Pro Tempore Vivian Burke (right) and others join Jamilia Lucas (second from left) in song.
“I want to wear my Carver necklace now! Do I love Carver High School? That is an understatement,” said Jamilia. “I am a Yellow Jacket. Thank all of you for loving me and coming to see me today. I want all of the young people here today to remember that a car is not a toy. The prom will be here soon, but be very careful when you are behind the wheel.”
Jamilia has not forgotten what happened when she ran into the back of a waste management truck in Winston-Salem years ago. She was unable to see when the dust clouded her view. She encourages youth to realize the responsibility they take on when they get behind the wheel of a car.
She spent several years in a rehabilitation center, but now she is in a special setting that she loves. Her caretaker Debra Wynn makes it possible for Lucas to attend church on a regular basis. Jamilia is a member of First Baptist Church. She also takes classes at Goodwill Industries. During the party, she wanted to read all of her birthday cards aloud, and she wanted to open her presents by herself, in spite of some physical challenges with her left hand.
Lucas is the daughter of the late Deacon Minnie Lucas of First Baptist Church and Jack Lucas. Her Aunt Mildred Patterson and Debra Wynn were thankful for the 35 friends and family members who attended the gathering.
Guests who attended included Dr. Vivian Burke, Naomi Jones, Annie Mae Belton, Dr. Karen Roseboro, Evangeline Morning, Evalena Clayborn, Norma Corley, Robert Smith, Maxine Whitney, Helena Smith, Ben Long and Asha Piggott and Reynita McMillan of the Carver Diamond Club.
