Willie Huckaby

Willie Alice Huckaby of Artesia, passed away Saturday, February 4, 2006, at the Artesia Good Samaritan Center, with her family in attendance. She just celebrated her 95th birthday. PWillie Alice Lee was born January 26, 1911 to Robert Elmo and Katie Alice Lee in Gorman, Texas. She married Albert Richardson on February 10, 1927. Willie and Albert moved to Artesia from Cooper, Texas in 1936, with their two small children, Lewis Truett, born December 24, 1930, and Wanda Lee, born March 25, 1932. Albert preceded Willie in death on December 31, 1971. POne of Willies favorite hobbies was quilting with the Quilting Club at First Baptist Church, where she was also active in Sunday School. She was very active and mentally astute up to the very end, was always making quilts for family and friends and crocheting. She loved to laugh and make others laugh more than anything. Willie was famous for her homemade pies, and loved by everyone, especially those who frequented the restaurants she owned over the years. PWillie married Art Huckaby of Artesia in 1982, who passed away in 1988. Willie had four brothers and four sisters who have also passed on, the last being Robert Lee of Hope. There are two living siblings, Homer Lee of Abilene, Texas, and Lavern Woods of Midland, Texas. She is also survived by her two children, Lewis Richardson of Lubbock, Texas and Wanda Darr of Artesia. She has four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. PThe Artesia Good Samaritan Center became her residence in 1999. She always said she was out there to take care of all the old people most of whom were many years younger than her. One of her most enjoyable activities at the nursing home was being a member of the Helpers Club.
Services for Willie will be held on Tuesday, February 5, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Artesia, located at Grand and Roselawn Streets. Reverend Rick Sullivan will officiate. Music will be provided by Tom Gunn. Pallbearers will be Mike Boyce, Randy Richardson, Don Woods, Dennis Woods, Brian Goodman, and Jerry Fanning. Interment will be at the Twin Oaks Memorial Park on State Road 2, following the ceremony.