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Lucille Denison

September 1, 1918 — January 28, 2015

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Lucille Denison

The life of Lucille Doreen Bagley Denison will be celebrated by her loving family members and friends at 10am Saturday, January 31, 2015, in the chapel of Rose-Neath Funeral Home Southside, with burial to follow in Smyrna Cemetery near her hometown of Longstreet. The family will hold a visitation Friday, January 30, from 5pm-7pm at the funeral home.

Lucille was born September 1, 1918 in DeSoto Parish and died in Shreveport January, 28, 2015, at the age of 96. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard George Denison, Sr. (Lt. Colonel US Army Retired); her parents, Levi "Banker" Bagley and Lula Williams Bagley; her sister Louise Bagley; and her oldest brother, Leslie Bagley.

Born on her parents\' farm, Lucille was five-years-old when the family moved to Longstreet and her father opened the L.B. Bagley General Merchandise store. She fondly recalled a happy childhood and chores that included washing dishes, churning or babysitting. On Sunday mornings, the family dressed and went to the Longstreet Methodist Church, followed by church at Smyrna Presbyterian in the afternoon and young peoples\' union at Longstreet Baptist Church. As she later recounted, "On Sunday, we did not fish, go to the movies, play cards or work, except for the cooking that had to be done."

Lula Bagley had wanted her daughter to be a teacher, but one weekend in her freshman year at Louisiana State Normal College (present-day Northwestern State University), Lucille went home with her roommate, Arlie Denison, and six months later would marry Arlie\'s brother, Howard.

Howard\'s career as an electrical engineer was cut short by his call to service in the US Army, which would take the couple to Ft. Benning, Georgia, Ft. Knox, Kentucky, Camp Polk in Leesville and Camp Ibis near Las Vegas, before the young Major Denison shipped off to Europe with the 11^th Armored Division.

Like countless American war wives during WWII, Lucille eagerly awaited letters from her soldier husband - letters she treasured the rest of her life. She remained in Longstreet with her family until his return.

Their dream of a farm of their own was realized following the war. But armed conflict would intervene in Lucille\'s life again when Howard was called from the Reserves to service in the Korean War. With help from her brothers, she operated the farm and dairy back home.

Upon his return to Longstreet - and his impending retirement from the army - Lucille and Howard were ready to enlarge their family. The couple adopted their first son, Howard George Denison, Jr., nicknamed "Denny." Three years later, the family grew with the adoption of Denny\'s infant brother, John Leslie Denison.

From music lessons to 4-H events to basketball games, Lucille was a mother who tirelessly strived to give her boys care and nurturing and always be there for their events as they aged into adulthood.

Lucille and Howard were avid bridge players and enjoyed their weekly couples games with longtime friends in DeSoto Parish that often were more kaffeeklatsch than cards. She also played in a women\'s bridge group with sisters-in-law Sally Bagley and Doris Bagley, plus other ladies from Mansfield, Gloster, Kingston, Keatchie, Smyrna and Grand Cane.

She returned to school in her 50s when she took business courses and mastered typing and office skills. Lucille filled in part-time as a receptionist in a nephew\'s law office.

The tragic and untimely death of Howard in 1979 at age 66 was a debilitating blow to Lucille and her family. It was during this period of deep mourning that Lucille would lean most heavily on her faith in God. She always kept a Bible within arm\'s reach and was a faithful decades-long member of the Longstreet United Methodist Church, taking over Howard\'s duties as church treasurer upon his death.

In addition to her work in the church, Lucille joined a number of organizations over the years, including the DeSoto Parish Historical Society, Home Demonstration Club, Rural Letter Carriers Ladies Auxiliary, Central School PTO, and March of Dimes. She supported countless charities but had special fondness for the Louisiana Methodist Children\'s Home and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

In the 1980s, Lucille could be found enjoying trips to destinations around the globe. She often traveled with her sisters-in-law, Arlie Haney and Belle Denison, as well as her childhood friend and neighbor, Wortley Flagg Scheller.

Lucille leaves to cherish her memory her son Denny and wife Donna; son John; brother Lawrence "Buddy" Bagley and wife Sally; brother Leon Bagley and wife Doris; granddaughter Kari Denison Allen and husband Trey; grandson Justin Carroway and wife Lauren; grandson Nick Carroway; great-grandchildren Reily Hooper, Abbie Hooper, Hunter Allen, Colton Allen and Marley Black; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and her longtime companion Molly, the family\'s Miniature Dachshund.

Special thanks are given to the women who provided around-the-clock care to Lucille at home over the past eight years, Arteaetear Franklin and Kendra Franklin. The family is indebted to the Franklins for their tireless service and care of their mom and "Nana."

Serving as pallbearers are Trey Allen, Bill Bagley, Christian Bagley, Justin Carroway, Nick Carroway, and John Ray Denison, and honorary pallbearer, Lamar Newton. Nephews Larry Bagley and John R. Denison will share memories and treasured stories of "Aunt Lucille."

Gifts in Lucille\'s memory may be made to the Louisiana Methodist Children\'s Home, 901 S. Vienna St., Ruston, LA 71270.

Rose-Neath Southside

2500 Southside Drive

318-687-1256

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