Lucille McNickles

Lucille McNickles (Fluker), humble servant of God, went home to glory on October 21, 2021. Born in Monticello, Mississippi in 1934 to Louis and Luberta (Green) Fluker, Lucille was smitten by John M. McNickles and married him in 1953.  Their 60-year marriage was rooted in faith and family. The home they created with their seven children frequently served as a welcoming space for those in need. Having only received an eighth-grade formal education, when she and her husband relocated to Massachusetts in 1963, she didn’t know how to write a bank check. Always eager to learn new things and to support her family, Lucille developed an understanding of business management and accounting. She used her knowledge to support and grow the family businesses: J. McNickles & Sons Asphalt Paving and later Bay State Scrap Metal and Salvage. She managed the business accounts for over 40 years. A lifelong learner, Lucille earned her GED at the age of 50, while raising her children. She continued to stay connected to family, friends, politics, African American history and culture via the Internet, using her Ipad.

Recognized by her vibrant smile and known for her delectable desserts, Lucille’s spirit of love and light touched all who had the blessing of knowing her. She enjoyed cooking, collecting recipes, doing word search puzzles, and making quilts.

Lucille is predeceased by her husband John McNickles; siblings Robert Louis Fluker, Mack Parkman, Mildred Couch and son-in-law, Carlo Baldino. She is survived by her siblings Charles Fluker (Louisville, KY); Glenwood Harthorne (Ruth, MS); and Irma Parkman (Worcester). Continuing her legacy of faith and service are her children: Marilyn McNickles, Shirley A. McNickles and Ralph McNickles, all of Worcester; Kenneth E. McNickles and Dr. Joyce D. McNickles, both of Sutton; Myron B. McNickles, Sr. of Foxborough; and Dr. Christina Swaidan and husband Salah of Windsor, CT; eight grandchildren, Cynthia Cunningham, Michael Baldino, Melissa McNickles, Myron B. McNickles, Jr., Matthew McNickles, Ethan McNickles, Faris Swaidan and Ilyas Swaidan; a great-grandson, Myron B. McNickles, III; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family during calling hours Friday November 5th from 5 PM to 7 PM at MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St, Worcester. The funeral service will be held at 9:30AM on Saturday November 6th in the Mt. Olive Pentecostal Church, 60 Highland St., Worcester. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made to the John & Lucille McNickles Scholarship Fund and can be sent to Mt. Olive Pentecostal, 60 Highland St., Worcester 01609.

To share your thoughts and memories of Lucille, please visit her personal guestbook at: mercadantefuneral.com.