It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lucille Teresa Mackerel, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Lucille left this world on April 15, 2026, at the age of 80, surrounded by her loving family. Her journey began on March 3, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, where she was born to Mose and Bessie Magett, who preceded her in death.
Lucille's life was a testament to love, resilience, and dedication. She was the cherished sister of Geneva Gibson of Chicago, Illinois, and the devoted sister to her brothers, Donald Magett of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Roy Magett of Phoenix, Arizona. Though her brothers Lee, Jerry, David, Mose Jr., and James Magett have gone before her, their memories remain vibrant in our hearts.
Lucille was blessed with a family that was the center of her universe. She married the love of her life, Larry Eugene Mackerel, and together they built a life filled with love and laughter until his passing in 1987. The union was graced with three devoted children: Brenda (Jose) Armisted of Kalamazoo, Larry Eugene Mackerel, Jr. of Bangor, Michigan, and Damen Louis Proctor of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Lucille's legacy will continue to flourish through her cherished grandchildren, Diniquka Hilliard, Malachi Preston, and Kyra Proctor, as well as her great-grandchildren, Jaela Mackerel and Doreen Hilliard Mackerel.
Lucille's educational journey began at Saint James Catholic School in Chicago, Illinois. She later moved to Bangor, Michigan, where she graduated high school. Her passion for beauty and creativity led her to the American Beauty College, where she earned her cosmetology license. Lucille committed her professional life to KSU, formerly Bohn Aluminum in South Haven, Michigan, working diligently as a machine operator until the plant's closure. Her work ethic and dedication were admired by all who knew her.
Beyond her professional and familial commitments, Lucille was a beacon of light and warmth to her extended family, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who she loved dearly. Her home was always open, her heart always generous. Lucille's best friend, Alvester Mullins, was a steadfast companion throughout her life, sharing in her joys and providing comfort in times of sorrow.
Lucille was preceded in death by her beloved grandson, Jant'e Mackerel of Kalamazoo, whose memory she cherished deeply.
As we bid farewell to Lucille, we remember a woman whose life was defined by her unwavering love for her family, her boundless kindness, and her enduring strength. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all those who had the privilege of knowing her.
A celebration of Lucille's life will be held at a later date, where we will gather to honor her remarkable journey and the indelible mark she left on us all. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity close to Lucille's heart, as a testament to her spirit of giving and compassion.
Rest in peace, dear Lucille. You will be missed, but your love will light our paths forever.
Funeral Program
Order of Service
Processional
Scripture by ministerBishop Ronald Henton
Prayer by minister- Bishop Ronald Henton
SoloTodd Campbell
Acknowledgment
SoloRegina Everett's
Reading of Obituary
Remarks Great nephew Rev. Jason Henton
Solo
Words of comfort
Benediction
Reflections
Death Is Nothing at All
Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other,
that we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name,
speak to me in the easy way
which you always used.
Put no difference in your tone,
wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word
that it always was.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was;
there is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind
because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you,
for an interval,
somewhere very near,
just round the corner.
All is well.
Special Thanks
The family of Lucille Teresa Mackerel extends heartfelt gratitude for your prayers, support, and kindness during this time. She believed family is what God gives you and she never took that life for granted. Those who knew Lucy, knew if you were hungry, she fed you, if you were thirsty, she gave you water to drink, if you were sick, she cared for you and nurtured you. In Matthews, 25:35-40 is the life she lived and I would like to think the world is a little bit better because she was here.
