Lucious Minor

Lucious James Minor, the son of the late Jack and Josie Burden was born on May 6, 1931 in Vicksburg, Mississippi. He spent many of his early years in Mississippi and Tennessee, with his grandparents playing an integral role in raising him. He was educated in the public schools of Memphis, Tennessee and Voorhees High School and Junior College in Denmark, South Carolina. He attended Central State University in Wilbeforce, Ohio.
Lucious accepted Christ at an early age, being baptized by Reverend Eugene Spencer in 1939 at the Montro Grove Baptist Church in Hermanville, Mississippi. His love for Jesus Christ and his commitment to his faith were evident throughout his lifetime. Upon moving to Memphis in 1941, he joined the Metropolian Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. Dr. S.A. Owen, Sr. He maintained a church affiliation wherever he lived. Upon moving to North Chicago, Lucious united with Shiloh Baptist Church where he served in numerous capacities. He was a faithful Sunday School member, served as President of the Shiloh Baptist Federal Credit Union for a period of time, and served as a deacon for many, many years. Lucious and several friends were dedicated to visiting the sick and shut-in, ensuring these members knew that they were not forgotten by their church family. He continued this practice when he transferred his church membership in 2010 to Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Zion, Illinois under the pastorate of Rev. John A. McBride where he also served as deacon.
Lucious was united in marriage to Dorothy L. Walker in 1960. He and Dorothy were blessed with two sons, Maurice and Gregory. While raising a family Lucious worked for Great Lakes Naval Center. He later demonstrated his business acumen by starting Minor's Unique Printing. Successfully operating his business for over thirty years, Lucious was well-respected for his business practices. Lucious was also committed to serving others. One organization dear to his heart was Waukegan Township's Eddie Washington (Staben) Center, a transitional housing program for homeless men.
In June of 2013, Lucious was again blessed to enjoy marital bliss when he married his dear friend, Valerie Barber. Prior to his waning health, Valerie and Lucious were able to enjoy many of his favorite pastimes. Once illness rendered him unable to get around, their special bond was strengthened as together they went through the ups and downs his medical conditions presented.
"Luke", as he was affectionately known by family and friends, loved life. He was an avid golfer, and enjoyed fishing as well as traveling. Cruising was an activity he truly enjoyed. Most of all he was a lover of people. He was grateful for the life God gave him, and had no fear of death.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Valerie A. Minor, son Maurice (Ruby) Walker of Irving, Texas; one daughter, Vickie (Bruce) Harris of Lawton, OK; a special daughter, Tracey Jones; three grandchildren: Kimberly (Derrick) Roy, Brian Jones-Minor, and Brittani Jones; five great-grandchildren: Braylen, Brittan, Brayden, BrookLynn, and Chase; a godchild, Dr Rushelle Cyrus; one sister, Janice Minor-Jackson. Beloved by many, he also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends, including special friends: Derrick & Sandra Bankston, The Abbott Family, Sam & Regina Dungee, Ron & Pat Appling, Walter & Loretta Henton, Barbara Lucas, Rev. Marcus Burnett, and Donn'ye Watkins. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, and son Gregory.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at Noon at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, 3109 Gilead Avenue Zion, IL. Pastor John A. McBride, officiating. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Warren Cemetery, 1495 N. Cemetery Road Gurnee, IL. Arrangements entrusted to Warren Funeral Home.