Perry J. Brown Funeral Home | Greensboro, NC

Obituary For Dr. Lucille Piggott

The development of this “Pearl of Service,” Dr. Lucille Cornelia Johnson Piggott, began on the Alton, Illinois farm of her two loving parents, the late Mr. Cyrus L. Johnson and the late Mrs. Cornelia Keen Johnson. Lucille was surrounded by nine siblings on the family farm as they were reared by loving, Christian parents who emphasized the importance of respect, love, honesty, sharing, and humor. She learned many life lessons during her youth that would carry her throughout her life.

In 1949, Lucille began a 49-year journey of marriage and love with her devoted husband the late Dr. Bert C. Piggott Sr. Together they lovingly reared their son, Dr. Bert Piggott Jr. Their happy love affair and journey through parenthood were the true highlights of both of their lives. The love they shared for each other was reflected in the devotion and support that they provided each other as they each accomplished their dreams and goals. Bert Sr. was the dynamic and successful head football coach of the North Carolina A&T Aggies and Lucille was devoted to her work as the Dean of Women and subsequently the Dean of Student Development at the university.

Lucille was a woman of faith. In her youth, Lucille joined Salem Baptist Church and remained a faithful member until 1950 when she moved to Greensboro, North Carolina with her husband. They then became members of the St. James Presbyterian Church for several years. Following the passing of Dr. Bert Piggott Sr., she moved her membership to Providence Baptist Church where she remained a member until her passing.

Throughout her life, Lucille’s professional pursuits included serving as a statistical clerk at Supreme Liberty Life Insurance company in Chicago, Illinois, at NC A &T State University serving as a stenographer and subsequently secretary to Dr. Lewis C. Dowdy, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

Lucille studied hard while working in these positions and earned her Masters and Doctorate degrees. She then became Dean of Student Development at NC A&T State University and was the first alumna of the university to hold that position and Assistant Professor of Education. During her tenure, she founded the Undergraduate Pan-Hellenic Summit. In Student Affairs at A&T, she impacted the lives of hundreds of students as she focused on character and leadership development. This nurturing, gracious lady incorporated her analytical strength through her work with students and faculty members. When her work was done, she retired as Dean of Student Development

Lucille was an esteemed member of many organizations that were close to her heart. In 1977, Lucille received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine (Distinguished Service Award) which was presented by the governor of North Carolina. She enhanced many agencies with her membership. These agencies included: Progressive Young Peoples Club at Salem Baptist Church (Alton Illinois), National Association of Parliamentarians, Numerous Academic societies, Jack & Jill of America, NAACP, Elder of St. James Presbyterian Church (Greensboro, NC), Silhouettes of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., and Archousa of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity.

For Dr. Lucille Piggott, the concept of sisterhood and organizational involvement began early as she observed her mother who imbued her children with the values and rewards from organizational membership. Her mother taught her that Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., was an admirable organization. Lucille began her pursuit of this dream on April 30th, 1952 when she entered Alpha Kappa Alpha through the Alpha Phi chapter at NC A&T State University. After serving as Basileus (president) and Grammateus (secretary), she graduated and transferred to the Beta Iota Omega Alumni Chapter where she served two terms as Basileus and Grammateus. Her chapter inspired the Region and the Boule to have Lucille become the Fourth Mid-Atlantic Regional Director. In 1974, Lucille was recommended to become the Supreme Grammateus (international recording secretary). She was later elected to a second term. From 1998-2002, her third Directorate office was Supreme Parliamentarian (international parliamentarian). In summary, Lucille served Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., at the international level in three unrelated positions. She is a Pearl Member having been financially active for 68 years. “Soror Ceel” held so much love and dedication for the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sisterhood and dedicated much of her energy to service in the organization.

Lucille is beloved for the generous spirit and wit that she shared with the world and the deep and abiding love she held for her son, daughter-in-love, granddaughters, siblings, and extended family and friends. To Lucille, family was her pride and joy. Lucille transitioned to eternal peace with her Lord and Savior on November 7, 2020. She was preceded in death by her parents the late Mr. Cyrus L. Johnson and the late Mrs. Cornelia Keen Johnson, her brother the late Mr. Cyrus Johnson, her sister the late Mrs. Cora Johnson Darden, and her sister the late Mrs. Virginia Johnson. She is survived by her only son, Bert Cody Piggott Jr., M.D., her daughter-in-love, Mrs. Bessie Ebron Piggott, her granddaughter, Cierra Piggott McNair M.D., her grandson-in love Mr. McKinley McNair, her granddaughter, Ms. Jaslyn Bria Piggott, and her siblings Mary Johnson Hydman, Harold Johnson (Evelyn), William Johnson, Lloyd Johnson (Minnie), Alvin Johnson (Thelma), and Adele Carpenter (Willie). She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends whom she loved dearly. She often makes reference to “Dem Johnsons” which is a reflection of this close-knit family. She loved to cook for her family and to make her home welcome to all who come to visit. She loved art, fashion, and music. She relished in meeting new people and she would often introduce different people whom she loved to one another. She loved to strike up conversations with young children as she knew that they were the keys to our future.

Lucille’s love and energetic spirit will be with us Forever.

Lucille passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2020. A public viewing will be held on Sunday, November 15, 2020 from 3:30pm-5:30pm in the Cassie Coote-Brown Memorial Chapel of Perry J. Brown Funeral Home. A private graveside service, to honor her life, will be held on Monday, November 16, 2020 at Lakeview Memorial Park. The live-stream service can be viewed via Video Stream on the Perry J. Brown Funeral Home website by using the passcode: 41125

Guest Book

Hi Bert, I was thinking of your Mom. So sorry to find out she has passed. There are no words to convey the feelings in the loss of your Mother. She was an awesome advisor and mentor for me. As well as advocate for DJ and his family. May God comfort and strengthen you as only He can. My prayers are with you. Sincerely, James "JV" Vincent

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I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the Piggott and Johnson Families in the passing of Soror Lucille. My memories of her span from St. James Presbyterian Church to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. No visit to Greensboro was complete without seeing her at church and sharing sorority occurrences. How I will miss seeing her at sorority regional and national meetings. That includes Coach Piggott. Their love and devotion to each other is legendary. One of my favorite memories is being "volunteered" to the sorority International President by Soror Lucille to give the opening prayer at a meeting in Chicago. Saying no to Soror Lucille was never an option. Soror Lucille's outspoken demeanor was always welcomed by those who relish authenticity. Veda M. Patterson Springfield, Virginia

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I will never forget my four years at A&T with my sorority sister and her loving husband coach Bert. Alpha Kappa Alpha has lost one of its most dedicated members. RIP Lucille. Condolences to the family. The loss of Lucille saddens many hearts. Marion Breedlove Evans.

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My thoughts and prayers are extended to the Piggott Family. I was honored to have Dr. Piggott, my beloved Sorority Sister of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, as my mentor when I was initiated into the Alpha Phi Chapter and during my tenure at NCA&T State University. She has been a source of inspiration to me through the years. She will be truly missed, but fond memories will be everlasting. I thank God for the rich legacy of Dr. Lucille J. Piggott. Georgette Brown Kimball, Class of 1977, NCA&TSU, Roanoke Rapids, NC

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My thoughts and prayers are extended to the Piggott Family. I was honored to have Dr. Piggott, my beloved Sorority Sister of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, as my mentor when I was initiated into the Alpha Phi Chapter and during my tenure at NCA&T State University. She has been a source of inspiration to me through the years. She will be truly missed, but fond memories will be everlasting. I thank God for the rich legacy of Dr. Lucille J. Piggott.

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My deepest sympathies to all my Piggott family. My great Aunt 'Cille lead an amazing life and I was so blessed to have known her. I remember how special she always made me feel every single time I saw or spoke with her. She came to stay with me in Chicago during one of her many travels and we had such a good time. She truly became my hero and I was both honored and so very humbled to have her as my Soror. She will be greatly missed but her spirit of teaching and guiding lives on in so many of us. Davere Dewberry Hendrix Phoenix, AZ (Daugher of niece Carroll Piggott Dewberry)

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My sincere condolences and prayers to the family of Dr. Lucille Piggott. Dr. Piggott was a beautiful lady who was very kind, friendly and had a wonderful sense of humor. I enjoyed talking with her at Regional Conferences and Boules. She will be missed from our beloved sisterhood. -Eula Marriner Scott | Williamston, NC

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I cherish the memory when I visited Aunt Lucille many years ago. It was such a treat spending time one on one, talking for hours. My prayers to cousin Bert and family. We are a product of a truly great family........none other can compare!! Shelley Darden McMillion - Niece

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Sister "Ceel" lived such an accomplished life. In addition to her many academic & Greek organization successes, she had that Johnson quick wit & sense of humor. It was my honor to have known her. Anthony (Jerry) Wagner, San Francisco, CA

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My condolences and prayers to the family as you celebrate the life of Dr Lucille Piggott Jeannetta Mitchell San Francisco, CA

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I have many favorite moments with aunt Lucille. I'll never forget driving her in her car to one of her favorite restaurants and being introduced to everyone as we walked through the dining room. It was as if the queen had entered with a noble guest. Everyone showered me with smiles and warm greetings. It was an experience not unlike those of any of my large number of relatives who seem to know everyone, no matter where they go. They in turn seemed to be known by everyone. Another memorable occasion was sitting with aunt Lucille at her dining room table as she shared memories of her family and various artifacts related to the family. One in particular is a clock with the face of each brother and sister along with Cyrus and Jennie Johnson represented in each hour of the clock. I admired it and aunt Lucille gave it to me. It continues to hang in my living room where I get to view it each day with aunt Lucille proudly displayed at the 2nd hour. Byron Darden - Nephew

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Condolences from the Butler family.

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Dr. Piggott was beautiful, friendly, and kind. She had a wonderful sense of humor. She enjoyed making you laugh whether it was after services at Providence Baptist Church or when my Missionary Sister Carrye Pritchett and I visited her. Dr. Piggott will be missed. My husband Sam and I extend our sympathy and pray God's peace for her son and the entire family. Shirley Williams

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I had the honor of knowing Dr. Piggott on two levels while attending NC A&T in the 80s. As the editor of the A&T Register, I interviewed her often. We always talked about so much more than I could print. I would visit for information for one story, and I would leave with two or three additional stories. Dr. Piggott and Mrs. Loreno Marrow, the advisor to the student newspaper, were very close friends and sorority sisters, which is the second connection. I chose to pledge Delta Sigma Theta at A&T, but both of these AKAs served as anchors for social emotional support for three of my four years at A&T. Mrs. Marrow passed in December 1985. Dr. Piggott and I consoled each other, and for many years purposefully spoke each December to honor our dear friend. We exchanged holiday cards for 20 or more years. We tried to connect when she visited Halifax County, but it never worked out. She sometimes sent homemade gifts, bookmarks or Bert Jr. CDs. I have missed her special touch in recent years.I know that I am a stronger and more confident woman and mentor to young women because of my knowing this phenomenal woman with a heart full of love and Aggie Pride for everyone. With sincerest sympathy, Dr. Doris Person, Class of 1985.

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Sending love and comfort to the entire family. Know that we share in your sorrow as Dr. Piggott left an imprint on us all. She will be deeply missed in our beloved sisterhood, and her spirit of excellence and service will be our forever model and guide. In Sympathy, Trinnette Cooper

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Perry J. Brown Funeral Home | Greensboro, NC