Hi, my name is Cheryl (Niecy) Lucas. Many of you know my story, but for those who don’t know:
I have been in court for the past 6+ years trying to keep property that has been in my mom’s family for 8 generations. Of these generations (excluding me). 7 generations were born on this land, cultivated this land, farmed this land and lived off the proceeds of this land. This property, 6821 NW 39th Avenue, Gainesville. FL is located in the historically Black area known as Rutledge, a community originally establishes for former slaves in the 1800s. Over the years the size of the family property has diminished due to sales to the State of Florida for the creation of 39th Avenue, and later for the installation of sidewalks.
Without judgment I tell you that my dad. Edward Floyd, a year before his death, added his then and still married girlfriend to the deed for our property. When questioned, he advised he added her name as collateral for her giving him a loan ($800) to pay his property taxes. He later advised me and others that it was his intent to remove her name from the deed once he paid her back. As fate would have it, he died shortly after adding her name to the deed. I made an offer to repay his loan and it was declined- we have been in litigation since. Through her attorney, she is demanding $100,000, which she states is the value of her share of the property. I don’t want to lose property that has been in my mom’s family for 8 generations and holds such historical significance. I am tired and no longer have the resources to fight alone.
I thank you for any and all help you offer,
Cheryl (Niecy) Lucas