Lucille Darnell, 95, of Port Charlotte, Florida, died peacefully on Saturday, July 21, 2012.
She was born in 1917 to Oscar and Rebecca Clement in Greenville, S.C. Lucille moved from New York to Port Charlotte, Fla., in 1975 with her husband George S. Darnell who preceded her in death in 1987. Lucille Retired from the New York Department of State as Secretary to the Cosmetology Advisory Committee in 1975. Prior to working for the State of New York Lucille attended New York University Training Extension where she obtained her cosmetology license. Lucille went on to operate the famous, “Rose Meta House of Beauty” in New York, from 1946-1948. Lucille’s move to New York City also began her historical and lifelong commitment to politics with The Republican Party. In 1954, Lucille (Pickett) ran for the State Assembly and won as a proud Eisenhower Republican. In 1967, Lucille accepted a nomination by the Republican Party to run for Congress against long-term Incumbent Democratic candidate, Adam Clayton Powell. This historical race was covered extensively nationally as well as internationally. Powell defeated Lucille but she cemented her place in history and in the hearts of many people. Lucille became a proud member of First Baptist Church of Port Charlotte upon moving to the area in 1975. Lucille contributed her success in life to her strong Christian faith and her wealth of dear friends.
Her beloved son Bill Clement, daughter-n-law Tillie Clement, who lovingly cared for Lucille for the last 15 years of her life, granddaughter Jackie Clement (South Carolina), nephew Neil Foster Phillips (New York), nephew Nathan Dolson, cousin Leola Robinson-Simpson (South Carolina), and many extended family members survive Lucille. Brothers, Walter Clement, Furman Clement, Johnny Clement, sister Elizabeth Hargett, granddaughter Diane Clement preceded Lucille in death.
Visitation and Funeral Service will be held at First Baptist Church – Port Charlotte 20035 Quesada Avenue in Port Charlotte. Viewing will be from 10 to 11 A.M. Friday, July 27, 2012 with Funeral Service to begin 11:00 A.M. Friday at the church. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Gardens in Port Charlotte.
Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Homes, Port Charlotte Chapel.