Jean Annette (Shumpert) Lucas

Jean Annette Shumpert Lucas, 79, passed away July 2, 2022, at home with family by her side. 

Surviving are her husband, Malcolm Eugene Lucas, of Pelion, her daughter, Elizabeth Annette Lucas Reynolds and son-in-law, Michael Eugene Reynolds both of Jacksonville, Florida; her son, David Odell Lucas and daughter-in-law, Melinda Buchanan Lucas both of Beaufort; her daughter, Anna Priscilla Lucas Burr, granddaughter, Sarah Necola Burr and grandson, Lucas Edward Burr all of Lexington; and her brother, Joseph Francis Shumpert of Pelion.

Born and raised in Pelion, South Carolina, Annette was the daughter of the late Cyrus David Shumpert and the late Necola Hallman Shumpert. She was an honors student at Newberry College where she studied education and psychology and went on to earn a Master’s in Education from the University of South Carolina, in Columbia.

Affectionately called “Shortie” by friends and college classmates and later “Net” by her grandchildren, she and husband, Malcolm Lucas, were married for 58 years and were high school sweethearts.

Annette was a teacher and high school guidance counselor, primarily at Pelion High School where her college roommate and closest friend, Jean Nichols Haggard, served as the school's principal. She taught science and English before becoming the school’s longtime guidance counselor, served as the school’s yearbook sponsor, and was devoted to her students. After 30 years with Lexington County School District One, Annette retired in 1997 but continued to volunteer at Pelion High for years after her official retirement. She was inducted into to the Pelion High School Hall of Fame in 2006.

Having attended Pelion Baptist Church since age 4, Annette was also a devout church member. She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and is fondly remembered for leading the children in singing. She was active in the community, served on the Lexington County Museum Board and was a member of the Pelion Ruritan Club. 

An avid reader and lifelong learner, Annette had a keen interest in local and South Carolina history, often volunteering her time and writing skills for various organizations.

She enjoyed cooking, sewing, gardening, had a soft spot for strays, and was devoted to her loving husband and family — often hosting Sunday dinners alongside her mother, the late Necola “Mama” Shumpert. Friends were always welcome for Sunday dinner.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pelion Baptist Church. Funeral Service will be held 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at Pelion Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Pelion Oaklawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Pelion Baptist Church, P.O. Box 276, Pelion SC, 29123.

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