Seth William Lucas Jr.

November 16, 1940 - August 5, 2015

Seth William Lucas, Jr. made a peaceful transition into eternal life on August 5, 2015, at the age of seventy four. He was born on November 16, 1940, in Alexandria, Virginia, the second son of the late Seth William, Sr. and Leila Marshall Lucas. He is preceded in death by his brother Joseph Marshall Lucas. Seth enjoyed a delightful childhood, growing up in The Berg of Alexandria with his beloved brothers Earnest and Joseph, with whom he maintained exceptional bonds that continued throughout his life. He attended Alexandria public schools, graduating from the historic Parker-Gray High School, where he excelled as an athlete in track. After high school Seth attended his beloved Virginia State College (University) on a track scholarship. Seth loved sports, particularly track and tennis. He was the recipient of numerous awards for his phenomenal athletic abilities. Later in life, he was honored for his outstanding achievements by being entered into the Parker-Gray Memorial Sports Hall of Fame. He was the first track athlete to receive this honor. In later years he passed the baton, sharing his expertise with young people of all ages by serving as a soccer coach at Brownie Academy and track coach at St. John’s College High School, in Washington, D.C. He would often give up his lunch period to serve in this capacity. He was also a member of the Intramural Association of Approved Basketball Officials (IAABO). While in college, Seth was fortunate to meet the love of his life, Sylvia Lee Scott, and after courting for a few years, they married on June 10, 1965. From this union, they were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Valerie Theresa Lucas, whom Seth cherished. Seth became an entrepreneur early in life, which helped him formulate his life’s work as an accountant. At the age of ten, he began delivering newspapers and he continued to serve until shortly before he left for college. After graduating from Virginia State College, Seth became an auditor at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.He was then called into the military and served in the United States Army until 1968. After serving in the military, he returned to work for the Department of Agriculture. From there, Seth was promoted to financial analyst at the D.C. Department of Human Resources and then he advanced to the position of budget analyst at the Department of Public Health, until he retired in 1994. Seth practiced old-school principles of the Christian faith in his family life. He willingly embraced his responsibility of helping to build a strong family unit, and protecting and providing for his family. Seth was a gracious, quiet, humble, unassuming, and introspective man. He was the embodiment of the Beatitudes--Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. Mathew 5: 5. Seth loved the Lord and was baptized at an early age. He was raised a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church. In the late seventies, he became a devoted member of Roberts Memorial United Methodist Church and has been a member for more than thirty-five years, using his gifts and talents to support the ministries of his church. Seth served on the trustee board, taught Sunday School, was chairman of the finance committee and the administrative board, was auditor of the church books, a lay leader, a member of the men’s choir, and when called upon, served as a custodian. Seth is survived by his wife, Sylvia Scott Lucas; his daughter, Valerie Lucas; his brother (and kindred spirit), Earnest Lee Lucas (Thelma); nephew, Tracy Lee Lucas; aunt, Alice C. Holland; cousin, Irma Flowers; devoted friends, Shirley Alexander, Reverend James Ashton, Robert Cross, Evelyn Edwards, Henri Hill, James Johnson, Howard Turner, and Richard Williams; and a host of great nieces and nephews; and cousins. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to : Virginia State University Office of Alumni Relations 65 P0 box 9027 Virginia State University, VA 23806-0001.