Lucille Means was born on September 12, 1926 in Greenville, S.C. to Isaac and Louise Williams. She entered into eternal rest on Saturday, March 17, 2007 at the Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. She was the youngest of three children. Her education was limited due to the fact that she had to work the land, but she will be the first to tell you that she never picked cotton. Later, her family moved north for more opportunities for work. She, her mother and father settled in Washington, D.C. and her two brothers proceeded on to New York City.

Lucille gave birth and raised ten children. She was also a mother to so many other people. At one time, the house was called the "Means Hotel" because she cared for her niece and nephew from New York and anyone else who needed shelter. She was always willing to listen to others and share what she had, whether it was a meal or a dollar or two. She had a passion for fun, music and in her day she loved to dance. She loved to travel, shop and care for her grandchildren and great grands.

She leaves to mourn a special mate of 46 years, Charles Gilchrist. Four sons, John, Luther, Wayne (Toni) and Albert (Terry) Four daughters, Nancy (Andre), Sylvia, Diane (Michael) and Arlene and a brother, Hugh Hailstock, of New York City. Two sons, David and William (Beaver), her parents, Isaac and Louise Williams and brother, Johnnie Hailstock preceded her in death. She also leaves 30 grandchildren, 52 great grand and 9 great-great grand and a host of other family and friends. Her best friend of more than 65 years Alice Campbell will surely miss her. Nita her adopted goddaughter stuck with her to the end. She has been a mother to Randy Powell since he was a teenager and countless others whose lives she touched.

Family will receive guests on Saturday, March 24th 10:00 am until service time, 11:00 am at A.P. Shaw United Methodist Church, 2525 12th place, S.E. Washington, D.C. Interment, Washington National Cemetery, Suitland, Maryland. Arrangements by Thornton Funeral Home, P.A. 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640.