
Lucille Brown Roane
October 18, 1928 – February 8, 2023
My beloved mother, Lucille Brown Roane, 94 of Richmond, Virginia, received her reward on February 8, 2023.
She was born as Lucille Aurelia Brown on October 18, 1928, to Aurelius and Minnie Brown, Sr.
She married William H. Roane, Jr, on September 21. 1963 and moved to Historic Ginter Park in March of 1966. Their daughter, Sheila was born in May 1966. She always said they were blessed as older parents and referred to their family as “The Three Musketeers”. She would say, when you saw one, you saw all three.
Lucille was proceeded in death by her husband, William H. Roane, Jr; three sisters, Berthel Barnes, Inez Clegg, and Eunice Harden; and two brothers, Aurelius W. Brown, Jr. and William Brown.
She is survived by her loving and devoted daughter, Sheila Kate, to which she was lovingly referred; a grand dog Mya and cat, Matilda; sister, Hannah Jiggetts; brother-in-law, Eugene Harden; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Lucille was the 3rd black policewoman for the city of Richmond, VA where she served in the Juvenile Division, and the first black president of the League of Women’s voters in Richmond, VA.
After leaving the police department, to stay home with her new daughter in 1966, she later joined the Richmond Public Schools Safety and Security program, where she retired in the 1990s.
She was an active member of the Richmond (REA), Virginia (VEA), and National Education Associations (NEA). She was also an active member and held an office at one-time with E-9 (The association for first black firefighters and police officers in Richmond, VA).
Lucille was a lifetime member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir.
In her spare time, she enjoyed playing pinochle, as she was a long-time member of the pinochle club, The Sociables. She also enjoyed baking, making homemade wines, entertaining, and traveling. She also enjoyed writing in her retirement years. She wrote a lot of stories about her experiences, and her love for her entire family, and subsequently took up genealogy.
Lucille supported her daughter in everything she did and was a proud momma. She attended every band event, as a Marshall Walker Band mom.
Lucille was a breast cancer survivor and was very proud to be selected as the poster model for A Design for a Cure Fashion show in 2010.
Lucille was a very special lady and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
There will be a private memorial service/celebration of life in the Spring.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society www.cancer.org or the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.
We will miss you Aunt Lucille!! Much love from all the family ❤️. Vincent and Margaret Roane
A life well lived RIP Aunt Lucille 🙏🏿Joseph and Shannon Roane
Mrs. Roane, you blazed and mentored the path for many of us who came behind you. You are a “SHE-RO”….. Love you…….
We will miss your smile and love . A journey well run, rest in peace Aunt Lucille. Love, Randolph, Lydia, Conrad, Jordan, and Dorian Ashton.
I have always admired your style and quiet presence, Ms. Roane. Rest now in the Loving Arms of your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Be sure to tell my Aunt Barbara “Hi” for me..😌💙🤍
Mrs. Roane was our next door neighbor for thirteen years on Montrose Avenue. The love she showed by sharing her family and Sheila with the Thornton family represented some of the strongest foundational pillars from my childhood. My mother always spoke about her family wisdom and her strength. I know you and my Mom are sharing stories in your housecoats right now!!❤️ Mrs. Roane always welcomed me as a child with her warm smile and I can still smell her rolls and poundcake. You soar Mrs. Roane!!
Lovingly, Dawn Thornton Johnson (Ted Thornton, Sr, and Ted Thornton, Jr.)
AUNTIE CILLE,
I will miss you so much,but you will always be in my heart. Thank you for attending all the important events in my life
. Give a hug to my Mom and Granddad and Grandma. I will especially miss your beautiful smile. Now fly with the butterflies.
Love, Karen
I’m remembering homemade pound cake, baked for holiday family gatherings and Auntie ‘Cille rocking a chic jumpsuit. I remember my first trip to NYC (thanks Sheila for being an only child ☺️) and staying at Casa del Roane when my mom took a trip to Louisville, KY. I remember love and kisses and generosity. Thank you Auntie ‘Cille for making every day things feel special. Your style, grace and creativity inspire me still (though I have few of any of those qualities, but one can hope). Rest in peace. ❤️🙏🏾
What a beautiful woman, inside and out. And her daughter, Sheila. exemplifies all of her mother’s qualities. A loving obituary filled with pride and devotion to family, to the blessings between mother and daughter. Sending much love.
I’m going to miss you auntie. I’m so glad I was able to see you and you waved at me . Awesome memories I will always treasure. Love Barbie and Daniel . We love you Sheila and keeping you in 🙏 and you already know I got you. ❤️
I’ll always love you and miss you my Aunt Lucille .I’ll always love you and I’ll always keep you in my prayers my cousin Shelia❤🙏
Such an outstanding woman! And so beautiful! It was a pleasure to be in her and her daughters presence! Sleep peacefully Mrs Lucille ❤️