Lucy Brooke Talikwa

After a long battle with existence, Lucy Brooke Talikwa died peacefully at her West Knoxville home the morning of December 27, 2021. She was 72 years old at the time of her passing. Lucy was the only daughter of Randolph Onus Boring and Nellie Zell Williams and was sister to Randolph Brett Boring. Lucy is survived by her beloved husband, David Kelly Williams, her son, Eric Adam Webb, her daughters, Kirsten Elin Smith and Emily Elizabeth Williams, her daughter-in-law, Crystal Webb, and her grandson Roland Kurt Webb. Lucy was a child of East Tennessee. She was raised in Madisonville and spent much of her time there prior to moving to Knoxville. Lucy would enjoy telling her family stories about Monroe County, embellishing pieces of family lore, and reminiscing about the beauty of the Tellico River. Lucy graduated with a Master’s in Art Education from the University of Tennessee. Thereafter, she used her creativity and vigor in various pursuits including teaching, painting, cooking, church, homemaking, advertising, and writing. Lucy had the soul, temperament, and brilliant complications of an artist. This is how she will be remembered by those who knew and loved her best. Lucy conceptualized herself foremost as a mother; she loved her children unconditionally and gave to them what she could, the best that she could. Lucy’s closest friend was her husband, David; the two of them spent nearly every day together for 31 years, including 27 years of marriage. They took joy in each other’s company, laughing together at the absurdities of the world, Seinfeld, and inside family jokes that were often repeated, but never seemed to lose their charm. As one of her greatest gifts to her children, she bestowed upon them an equal admiration for the inherent absurdity of life. Lucy was a voracious reader and taught her children early in life (before the invention of smartphones) to “always bring a book with you wherever you go”. Lover of all things borderline macabre and existential, Lucy collected obituaries from the Knoxville News Sentinel, and we would like to think that this one would have caught her eye. Despite her sometimes hot temper and renowned stubbornness, Lucy was fond of reminding her family that “people are doing the best they can with what they have” and that we should have kindness and understanding accordingly. When her children struggled, when she herself struggled, she would remember to resolutely say aloud that “this too shall pass”. The struggle is over and has passed. Lucy will be greatly missed. The family will hold a private remembrance ceremony. In the spirit of Lucy’s love of books, donations to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at https://imaginationlibrary.com are welcome in lieu of flowers. Condolences can be made at Rose Funeral and Cremation-Mann at rosefuneraltn.com.

Tributes

Lucy Brooke Talikwa

April 4, 1949 - December 27, 2021