Lucy Baxley funeral arrangements released

[UPDATE: October 17, 2016 at 1:08 PM CT]

A visitation will be 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, Alabama. Also, a visitation will be 9-11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at Frazer United Methodist Church, 6000 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL 36117, immediately followed by the 11 a.m. Celebration of Lucy's Life in the church's main sanctuary. The graveside service on Wednesday, October 19 will begin at 3 p.m. at Ashford City Cemetery in Ashford, Alabama.

While florals are welcomed, memorial gifts may be made to Frazer United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Alabama or to United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham, www.ucpbhm.com. http://www.ucpbhm.com

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Former Alabama Lieutenant Governor Lucy Baxley is remembered as someone who never forgot, and even embraced, her Houston County roots. Baxley died Friday at the age of 78.

Born in the small community of Pansey, Baxley worked her way through state government and held three public offices. She also made an unsuccessful run for governor.

Former Houston County District Attorney Tom Sorrells said Baxley never changed, keeping values she learned growing up in rural southeast Alabama. “She knew how to get along with everybody.

Lucy was kind, giving person who left her mark on this state.”

Her nephew agrees. Hamp Baxley said she could talk to CEO’s, representatives of Fortune 500 companies, or just a common person and relate favorably to all of them.

Lucy Baxley was once married to Bill Baxley, now a prominent Birmingham attorney. Though they divorced, Hamp Baxley said Lucy remained a part of his life and considered her family.

Bill and Lucy had something in common---both served as Lieutenant Governor. She was the first woman to hold the office. Mrs. Baxley was also state treasurer and president of the Public Service Commission. Baxley was the final Democrat to hold statewide office.

She also won the Democratic nomination for governor in 2006. Lacking financial resources, she lost to incumbent Bob Riley but Baxley impressed many by capturing 42 percent of the vote in a mostly controlled Republican state.

"Lucy Baxley loved Alabama and loved the people of Alabama," Governor Robert Bentley said in a statement. "I enjoyed our time working together when I served in the legislature. Lucy will forever be remembered as a fierce advocate for the people of Alabama, for her decades of service, and as Alabama's first female lieutenant governor.”

Current Lt. Governor Kay Ivey—the second woman to hold the job--- agreed. "Her "I love Lucy" slogan expressed the adoration Alabamians had for her. Her zest for life was evident as she overcame a stroke, then was elected president of the Alabama Public Service Commission.

State Senate Minority Leader Quinton Ross said of Baxley, “She leaves a legacy of strength and determination, despite all odds. She served Alabama well and we will miss her dearly."

Sorrells knew her longer than most. “She was the first secretary ever in the Houston County District Attorney’s Office. I remember her zest for life back then and she never lost that. Lucy was my friend and I will miss her.”

Hamp Baxley agrees. “Aunt Lucy was really special.”