Obituary of Lucille M. Green

Lucille M. Green May 02, 1909 - May 03, 2008 She heard his voice, she answered his call and she joined her Savior at the Hairdressers Ball; for He is her all in all. Ruby Lucille (Morris) Green known by so many loving names-- mom, grandma, granny green or just as Lucille was born in Dubach, LA, on May 2, 1909 to Louis W. Morris and Ora Ibera Senn. Lucille went to be with her Lord and her late husband “Pete” on May 3, 2008 at Lea Regional Hospital in Hobbs, New Mexico. Lucille first came to Hobbs in 1929 but departed in 1930 when Hobbs almost died as a community. She returned in 1934 and she and Hobbs grew together ever since. Alone and with a four year old daughter she met an angel who started her in the hairdressing profession in her beauty shop as a shampoo girl. She also gave her a place to live in exchange for cleaning and cooking when her day was done at the beauty shop. Sixty five years later she retired. During that time span she owned many beauty shops, trained hundreds of beauticians and led efforts to make hairdressers and cosmetologists a highly respected profession. She along with her partner Nell Robertson owned and operated “LuNell’s” beauty shop in the Broadmoor Shopping Center for over 33 years. She loved her calling and never really considered it work. She especially loved hair styling and was recognized as one of New Mexico’s best. She traveled across her beloved country to hair styling contests and gave demonstrations whenever asked (often using her daughter Claudine as her model). She had a real soft spot for “her girls” who came to her for their prom coifs and was dedicated to keeping her standing customers in the most up to date, latest styles. She was President of the Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Guild several times and in 1996 she was inducted into the New Mexico Cosmetologists Hall of Fame. Lucille was very active in many benevolent and professional women’s activities in New Mexico. She was a member of Business and Professional Women’s Association for over 40 years and a past president. She was also a charter member of Altrusa, Zia Toastmistress and the Ocotillo Women’s Golf Association. Her heart always reached out to those who had been abused, neglected and ignored in their lives. Because of this she became a staunch supporter of the NM Boys and Girls Ranch and helped raise funds through “Hairathons” and any other way she could. In the 1960’s she became a director on the Board of Directors for Boy’s Ranch (later Boy’s and Girls ranch). For more than three decades these were her boys and girls. She continued to support them financially and in her prayers until Jesus said “well done thou good and faithful servant” and called her home. In the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, Lucille was an avid bowler and she won many singles, doubles and team awards and represented Hobbs at several National Tournaments. Later she took up Golf when her teenaged son taught her to play and continued to play until she was forced to retire at the age of 86. She scored a hole in one on Hole #7(now # 16) at Ocotillo at the age of 68 in 1977 and was always reluctant to tell everyone she used a driver on the then 163 yard long par 3hole. First and most of all Lucille truly loved her Lord and Savior even Jesus the Christ. She was baptized in 1953 and after that all of her life was devoted to being “Just like Jesus”. Lucille was a member of First Christian Church in Hobbs for over 55 years. She taught the second grade Sunday school Class and the Wednesday night youth bible study for many, many years. She was especially proud of her “graduates” who went on to serve and honor the Lord. Some became missionaries giving her much credit for their choice of profession. Lucille is survived by three children: Bunah of Bullhead City AZ, Claudine Davis of Hobbs, NM, John (wife Joan) of Monument, CO; nine grand children, Davigene Woods, of Hobbs, Cubbie Morse of Canon City, CO, Rena Byerly (husband Ken)of Canon City, CO, Rocky Woods of Lubbock, Texas, Linda Davis (husband Stan) of Santa Clara, CA, Lora Tannehill (husband Jim) of Monument, CO, John Green Jr. (wife Deborah) of Lakewood, CO, Lisa Green of Monument, CO., Paul Lewis of Hugo, Oklahoma, her sister-in-law, Opal Green of OK City, Oklahoma and two most special friends, Beverly Rodgers who was her nurse for several years and Steve Lord her hospice pastor during the same time. Lucille’s closest companion and special playmate during her last years was Xanthis Barthel, her six year old neighbor. She is also survived by 16 blessed and loving great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren. Lucille was preceded in death by her husband Pete, her parents, 7 brothers and 3 sisters, one daughter, Lahoma Lewis, and an infant son Claude Scott. A joyful celebration of her life will be held at First Christian Church, 305 West Alston Hobbs, NM at 10:00 AM on Monday the 12th of May With Pastors Errol Stepp and Steve Lord officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery; Kirby-Smith-Rogers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be from 3-6 PM on Saturday the 10th of May at the First Christian Church. New Mexico Boys and Girls Ranch was a labor of love for Lucille and it would be a great honor and living legacy if contributions would be made to this organization in lieu of flowers. Please send contributions to NM Boys and Girls Ranch, 6209 Hendrix N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87110.