In Loving Memory of Lucien George Sr.

Beloved musician and music producer Lucien George Sr. passed away suddenly and unexpectedly from COVID-19-related causes on Sunday, April 5, 2020.


A singer who had perfect pitch, music was Lucien Sr.’s life. He sang on street corners as a doo-wop singer, eventually with Frankie Lymon before becoming one of Frankie’s backup singers when he needed a substitute. He also coached and inspired many young musicians from those who would go on to great success like MC Lyte to relatives, friends, and strangers on the street . He trained his three sons, Bowlegged Lou, Paul Anthony and B-Fine (Brian), how to sing before they became the successful R&B and hip-hop group Full Force, which he founded. James Brown nicknamed Lucien Sr. "Papa Force." A member of local 119B for over 35 years, he worked as a union printer, in addition to his work as a musician. He was also a member of the Church of the Living Hope for several years. 

Lucien Sr. had a great deal of love for humanity. His kindness, gentleness, generosity, beautiful voice, sense of humor, wisdom, fairness, empathy, loyalty, quietness, infectious smile, and silent warrior qualities will be greatly missed.


He also loved dogs, and his dog Frederick Douglass misses him!


Husband of 15.5 years, best friend, and mentor to filmmaker, activist, and theater artist Jacqueline Wade, the loss of Lucien Sr. is heartbreaking. As Lucien Sr. encouraged and supported Jacqueline’s filmmaking, studies, theatre work and activism, Jacqueline supported and took care of Lucien Sr. through over 10 years of him living with Parkinson’s, including participating in Julliard's Dance for PD and other programs . Her loss is made even harder by the fact that Lucien Sr. became the 22nd patient at the New Jewish Nursing Home in Manhattan to pass away of COVID-19.

Jacqueline is seeking assistance to bury Lucien Sr. at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx––in a peaceful spot near Miles Davis, Lionel Hampton and Count Basie’s burial grounds. When this opening became available, Jacqueline knew this was the right resting place for Lucien Sr.––to be buried as a musician among some of the musicians Lucien Sr. most loved and respected.

With the help of her mother, Jacqueline has come up with part of the expenses related to the funeral arrangements and burial cost for Lucien Sr., but this is still not enough.

The remaining cost of the burial and funeral expenses is $12,200.

Jacqueline is on a fixed income with many debts as a graduate student in the Integrated Media Arts Program at Hunter College and an artist. Her employment as an independent contractor was affected by COVID-19, and she is still dealing with some expenses of Lucien's nursing care. It has been extremely difficult and overwhelming for Jacqueline to navigate her husband’s illness, death, funeral and burial during the COVID-19 pandemic. Any assistance and/or support you can give will be highly appreciated.



HOMEGOING, FUNERAL & MEMORIAL SERVICES INFORMATION
Prayer Vigil for Lucien George Sr.
Sunday, May 3rd, 2020
4pm-6pm

Lucien George's Sr. viewing and funeral is on Sat, June 6
Viewing from 2pm-4pm
Funeral from 4pm-6pm
Owens Funeral Home (in the Chapel)
216 Malcolm X Blvd,  (in Harlem)
New York, NY 10027

Details about attending  public viewing will be posted.

Details about funeral will be posted. (We are only allowed at this time to have a very small amount of people attend the funeral.) We will update you with how this is being handled. 

The Viewing and Funeral will also be broadcast through Zoom and possibly live streaming. We will update you when links and information is available.  


Lucien George Sr,'s Burial is on Monday, June 8 at 1pm 
Woodlawn Cemetery
4199 Webster Ave.
Bronx, NY  10470

People are allowed to attend the public burial as long as there is social distancing. (Details will be posted closer to the date) Please RSVP if you think you will be attending the public burial at [email redacted]  

As mentioned above, we will have Zoom and possible live streaming of the viewing, funeral and  burial
We will update everyone as soon as we know more information.

We are still in the process of still raising more funds.  Thank you for your continual support. 

Fall Memorial date to be determined in the future.

This page will be updated, as we know more.

Jacqueline is thankful to those who send their love.