Neva Jewel Lucas, 86, of Granite City, passed away at 7:42 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Anderson Hospital.
She was born September 2, 1939, in Indian Mound, Tennessee, the daughter of the late Wesley and Virginia (Stubblefield) Parker. Neva married Kenneth “Guy” Lucas on December 24, 1955, in Madison, and he preceded her in death on May 8, 2006. She later married Richard L. Ethington in 2016 in Granite City, and he preceded her in death on December 13, 2024.
Neva retired in 2020 from Century 21 Bailey and Company after more than 40 years of dedicated service to the community as a realtor.
Her greatest joy in life, however, was her faith and her church. She was a proud charter member of Word of Life Tabernacle, where she faithfully worshiped and served for over forty years. Neva loved her church deeply and considered it her second home. She was active in the Ladies’ group and choir, rarely missed a service, and was always ready to lend a helping hand. Whether assisting with special events, preparing meals, or welcoming others with her warm spirit, she found true happiness in serving her church family. She especially looked forward to the fellowship surrounding the beloved chicken and dumpling dinners and treasured the friendships she built through her years of devotion.
Beyond her church life, Neva volunteered with Rebuilding Together and enjoyed being active with the Red Hat Ladies. She loved gardening, traveling, shopping, and keeping her home in immaculate order. She cherished her cat, Garfield, and was known as a social butterfly who was always on the go. Above all, she treasured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and will be remembered for the love, kindness, and laughter she shared with her family and friends.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Debra and Raymond Stewart of Fairview Heights; two grandchildren and their spouses, Kyle and Marina Bieker of Mt. Zion, and Emily and Derek Stichling of St. Louis; three great-grandchildren, Matthew Bieker, Landon Stichling, and Sage Stichling; a sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and James Matheny of New Florence; two brothers and a sister-in-law, John Parker of Granite City and Lyle and Debbie Parker of Granite City; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
In addition to her husbands and parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Kendall Zehnle; a brother, Gordon Parker; and a sister-in-law, Mary Parker.
Visitation will be held at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City, on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
A funeral service will be held at Word of Life Tabernacle, 4870 Maryville Road in Granite City, at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, with Reverend Cathy Crippen officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates.
Memorials may be made to Word of Life Tabernacle. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.irwinchapel.com.
