The eldest of ten children, she was preceded in death by her husband, Merrill G. Koonce; her parents; brothers, Wilbur Bain and George Bain; sisters, Lillian Bain Fletcher, Ruby Bain and Mary Ruth Bain Needham.
She was a musician, who spent many hours at her piano and playing for children's church and children's Sunday School in churches in DeLand, FL and Valdosta, GA when her husband was in the retail business in those cities until his death in 1983. This brought her much joy. She was thrilled when her grandchildren and great grandchildren began taking piano lessons and would play for her.
They had been former residents of Monticello, AR in the 50's and she was a charter member of the Monticello Music Club and enjoyed once again attending those meetings when she returned to Monticello a few years ago. She was also a 51 years breast cancer survivor.
She was a very talented artist. Many of her paintings were of Florida scenes where she would go to different locations and paint. Many of her paintings are hanging in the homes of her children and grandchildren. She also loved flowers and was an avid gardener. She was in Garden Clubs in Florida and was always adding to the landscaping that surrounded her home.
She was a member of First Baptist Church in Monticello and loved her Sunday School class and was so sad when she was no longer able to attend. She had been very active in the Eastern Star. She and her husband were great supporters of the Boy Scouts of America organizations in all of the cities in which they had lived. She was very supportive of everything her husband of 47 years was involved in. She loved unconditionally and was a great encourager to many.
Survivors include her son, Kelly M. Koonce and wife, Anna of Monticello; one brother, Raymond Bain and wife, Betty of Pine Bluff; three sisters, Lottie Bain Calhoun, Naomi Bain and Jean Bain Brown of Renton, WA; a brother-in-law, Clois Needham of North Little Rock; a sister-in-law, Irene Bain of Renton, WA; grandchildren, Karen Koonce Mills and husband, Jeff of Flower Mound, TX, K. Max Koonce and wife, Rebecca of Bentonville, and Martin Webb Koonce and wife, Louise of Kigali, Rwanda; and great grandchildren, Davis and Justin Mills of Flower Mound, TX, Jonathan and Caroline Koonce of Bentonville and Tucker, Taylor, Tanner and Trevor Koonce of Kigali, Rwanda.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Monday at the Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel. Private family burial will be in Union Ridge Cemetery in Drew County with arrangements by Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Drew Memorial Hospital, 778 Scogin Drive Monticello, AR 71655, to be used toward the purchase of a digital mammogram machine. Family visitation will be from 5:30 - 7:30 P.M. Sunday evening at the funeral home. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(9)
Mildred Mayfield
San Antonio, TX Thursday, May 6, 2010 Kelly and Anna, I am so sorry to learn of Lucy's death. I was out of the country when Lucy died. Just want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers.Love,
Mildred
Joann McGee
Star City, AR Wednesday, May 5, 2010 Kelly and Anna, I just looked on Monticello Live and saw where your mom had passed away. I didn't know this and I am so sorry. I would have expressed my sympathy when I saw you last week. May God bless each of you in a special way during this time.Joann
Donna Helms
Little Rock, AR Monday, April 26, 2010 I'm so sorry for your loss. She sounded like a remarkable woman. I wish I'd been able to meet her!Much love to you all.
Donna
Liz Howell
Searcy, AR Monday, April 26, 2010 Kelly and Anna,I am sorry that I cannot be with you during your time of loss. Please know that I am praying for you and love you.
Richard & Mary Tucker
Monticello, AR Sunday, April 25, 2010 Kelly & Anna,We wanted to tell you how sorry we are to hear about your Mother. You were blessed to have had her with you all these years.
Love you, Richard & Mary Tucker
Mary Pickering
Little Rock, AR Sunday, April 25, 2010 My thoughts are with you Kelly and Anna. Love, Mary LynnBob and Anne Fooks
McRae, AR Sunday, April 25, 2010 Kelly and Anna,We just wanted you to know that we are thinking of you and praying for you during this difficult time.
With His comfort, may you be comforted.
Kathryne Burton
Monticello, AR Saturday, April 24, 2010 Kelly and Anna: I did not know her but I think I would probably have loved her. My heartfelt sympathy is with you and the entire Koonce family.God bless each of you.
Kathryne
Lori McCoy
monticello, AR Friday, April 23, 2010 I am very sorry for your loss. Ms. Lucy was a wonderful lady. She and my son shared the same birthday and she and I hit it off!! I will miss her very much!