Lucille Williams Givens, 95, of 1028 West Main St., Waverly, Va., departed this life on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014, at Southside Regional Medical Center, Petersburg, Va., after a brief illness. She was surrounded by family.

Lucille was born in Waverly, Va., to the late John and Nellie Jones Williams. From this union, she was the youngest of six children. She was married to the late Willie Givens Sr. for over 60 years prior to his death. She was a devoted and an amazing mother of eight.

Lucille was preceded in death by two sons, Willie Givens Jr. and Welford Givens; two daughters, Nellie Mae Stith Parker and Lucille Givens Williams; one grandson, Larry Stith and one great-granddaughter, Pamela Taylor. Also preceding her in death were her beloved sisters, Jezebell Rose, Mary Birchett, Pearl Mason, Matter Sue Byrd and Viola Jones.

She retired from Fort Lee, Va., after 28 years of service.

Lucille gave her life to Christ at an early age. For many years, she was a faithful servant of God. She loved the Lord and always put God first in her life. Lucille was a faithful member of the Shining Light Pentecostal Holiness Church. She was a dedicated worker and served in various church ministries. Because of her devotion and wisdom as a mighty woman of God, she was honored to serve as the 'Mother of the Church."

She was a supportive member of the Neighborhood Prayer Warriors, and always looked forward to attending the weekly prayer worship service. She was inspired by gospel music and all were blessed by her singing. Lucille was a woman of many gifts and talents to include sewing and cooking. She had a profound love for people, as evidenced through her many acts of kindness. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

She leaves to cherish her memories: three daughters, Joyce Givens and Lottie Givens of New York, N.Y. and Phyllis Powers of North Providence, RI; one son, Phillip Givens (Victoria) of Louisville, Ky.: eight grandchildren, Truly Taylor (Phillip) of Richmond, Va., Diana Finley (Eddie) of New York, N.Y., Herbert Stith (Jeanelle), Calvin Stith and Aron Stith of Waverly, Va., Phillip Givens Jr. and Montez Givens of Louisville, Ky., and Mark Givens of Detroit, Mich.; a host of great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; one son-in-law, Darrell Williams of New Fairfield, Conn.; adopted son, John Thomas (Patricia); adopted daughters, Mariah Mason, Bertha Mason Smith, Ophelia Wilkins, Sonda Parham, Cynthia Johnson and Helen Burgess.

Funeral service for Mother Givens will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2014, at the Empowerment Temple, 219 North County Drive, Waverly, Va., with Evangelist Valerie Coffield officiating. Interment will follow immediately in Waverly Cemetery.

Mrs. Givens may be viewed one hour prior to service at the church.