Dr. John Harding Lucas, Sr.

In Lieu of Flowers, the Family would appreciate your making donations to

Shaw University, Attention:  Dr. Paulette R. Dillard,, President, 118 E. South Street, Raleigh, NC  27601. 

Cards may be sent to:  1544 N. Duke Street, Durham, NC  27701!!

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Life and Legacy

Dr. John Harding Lucas, Sr.

“We are striving…but we haven’t reached where we could be.  So, I think we need to work daily to bring enrichment to all people.” 

“If you want to go to heaven when you die, you must have gone to Hillside High!”

“My secret is putting God first, others second and myself third, and after that, wanting the best for all people and believing that it’s achievable through the pursuit of excellence.”

Dr. John Harding Lucas Sr. joined the ancestors on Monday morning, March 31, 2025, at the blessed age of 104 years old.  Statesman, Veteran, Educator, Humanitarian, Mentor, Coach, Leader in Community, Civil Rights, Family and
Faith and a friend to many—Dr. Lucas lived a life of excellence and service.

Dr. Lucas was born in Rocky Mount, NC in 1920 to Rev. John William Lucas and Rebecca Bowles Lucas.  His parents were the founders of North End Missionary Baptist Church when he was about two years old.  

Dr. Lucas received his BS degree from Shaw University in 1940 and began a lifelong commitment and dedication to Shaw.  At Shaw, he was initiated into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in 1937 at the age of 17 years old, and at his death, was the oldest living member by age and years of membership.

Dr. Lucas’ remarkable professional and lifelong romantic journey began from 1940- 1945, at 19 years old, younger than most, as a Chemistry teacher and football and basketball Coach at Adkins High School in Kinston NC.  There he met his life love, Blondola Powell, who also had come to Kinston to teach.   

The years in Kinston were interrupted by World War II. Dr. Lucas served in the US Army in the Pacific Theater from 1944-1947 attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. On a furlough in 1945, he married Blondola Powell and began an amazing 67-year legacy of love, family, professional achievement and service.

Dr. Lucas returned to Kinston after the war with a major highlight being their first born, Cheryl Johnice. 

Dr. Lucas’ Oxford, NC years spanned from 1952 to 1962 as the principal of Orange St. School and Mary Potter High School. During that time, Dr. Lucas attended graduate school at New York University and received a master’s degree from NCCU.   The memorable feature of that time was the birth of their son, John Jr.

Dr. Lucas began the glory days of the Hillside Years from 1962 to 1985 as Principal and Principal Emeritus for over 23 years. Of more than 300 historically Black high schools in NC, Hillside is the oldest of five remaining.  Dr. Lucas led Hillside in creating a beacon of excellence and innovation in academics, sports, and student impact with many outstanding graduates.

Hillside excellence launched the college and professional tennis and basketball careers of John Lucas Jr. with further roles in NBA coaching and player development. That legacy continues in the careers of his grandsons, John III and Jai as college and professional basketball players and in NBA, WNBA and college coaching.  Cheryl lived out the legacy in education with a 23-year career at NEA (National Education Association) and retired as a public school teacher.  Granddaughter Tarvia followed the education legacy as a former teacher of the year and is now Vice-President of Lucas Enterprises and CEO of Lucas Ware Logistics.

Dr. Lucas was a pivotal leader and strong voice for equal opportunity during the Integration and Desegregation Years from 1957 to 2000.  In 1970, Dr. Lucas proposed the “Lucas Concept” for the integration and merger of the NC Teachers Association (Black) and the NC Education Association (White) into the proposed NC Association of Educators (NCAE).  Dr. Lucas served four years on both the Durham City School Board (1987-1991) and the newly merged Durham Public Schools Board (1992-96, 2002).

Dr. Lucas’ thoughtful and inspiring acumen has been honored with the naming of the Lucas Wellness Center for Students at Hillside, Lucas Middle School in Durham and the Rader-Lucas Lobby at the NCAE Building in Raleigh.  He received the Doctor of Humane Letters from Shaw University, the NC Award- the highest NC civilian award, the NEA Trenholm Civil Rights Award and the National School Boards’ Lifetime Achievement Award, and he is a founder of the Durham Center for Senior Life. Recognized as a national and international leader in education policy, Dr. Lucas was honored as a lifetime member of both the NEA and NCAE Boards.

Dr. Lucas demonstrated his compassion and devout Godly life in his devotion to both Shaw University and White Rock Baptist Church.  He served on the Shaw Board of Trustees for over thirty years and served as Interim President from 1986-87 leading the university out of financial threat to solid ground.   He was a dedicated member of White Rock Baptist Church serving as a Sunday school teacher and Deacon Chair Emeritus after 14 years of service on that ministry.

Dr. Lucas’ life was punctuated by being a devoted caregiver for Mrs. Lucas from 2006 to 2012 and by thereafter receiving care with grace.  Cheryl moved home in 2007 to support caregiving for both parents with a loving long-term commitment, and John Jr. faithfully ensured that they had the resources and support needed for care.

Dr. Lucas is joining his parents, Rev. John William Lucas and Rebecca Bowles Lucas, and his sisters and their husbands, Myrtle Lucas Lewis and Benjamin Lewis Sr. and Ethel Lucas Bryant and Alexander H. Bryant Sr., who joined the ancestors before him.  He will also join the love of his life, Blondola Powell Lucas, who departed this life before him.

Dr. Lucas and his legacy will be cherished and remembered by his children, Cheryl Lucas of Durham NC and John H. Lucas Jr. and his wife, DeEdgra Fozard Lucas of Houston, Texas. His example will be carried forward in the hearts of his grandchildren, Tarvia, John III and his wife, Kendall, and Jai and his wife, Kori.  His spirit will shine brightly in the lives of his seven great grandchildren, Xavier, Jaxin, Kalib, London, Tyson, Luxe and Ayer.  Many other relatives, friends, students and colleagues will cherish his memory and contributions.

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