Rachel L. Lofton

Rachel Lofton, 91, of Nederland, died Saturday, July 25, 2020 at The Medical Center of Southeast Texas, Port Arthur. She was born May 24, 1929, in Atmore, Alabama to Mamie Mae Rivers Luker and James Kervin Luker.

Rachel was the fourth of six children. She told stories about growing up during the great depression when times were hard. Two subjects that could always be found in the stories she told were that you worked hard from sunup to sundown and there was always an enormous amount of love in the family. Everyone would take care of each other.

Rachel became Mrs. Lofton when she married George William Lofton, in her teen years. Months after the wedding George left to fulfill his military duties. During this time, Rachel lived with her mother-in-law, whom family called, Maw Maw. Rachel had great admiration and a deep appreciation for Maw Maw who instantly treated her like a daughter.

In 1952, Rachel and George started their own family. First with twins, Gerald and Cheryl, whom were often simply called, “brother” and “sister”. Five years later, Eugene was born. The siblings remember growing up feeling happy and secure. Money was for necessities and the family love was abundant.

George supported the family by working long hours at the plant. Working and playing were interchangeable words to describe it because he enjoyed working and staying busy. The same could be said for Rachel. She took a tax course and found she enjoyed visiting with people. George converted the garage of the small family home into an office for Rachel. Running her business from home meant that she would be able to attend all her children’s school activities.

Rachel eventually branched out to include bookkeeping and real estate to go along with her tax business. At some point, she applied for a $500 loan to be able to purchase her first rent house. She was declined the loan but was still able to purchase the house, however, being declined that loan was the motivating factor for all her future business ventures. Rachel vowed that she would never be declined for a loan again.

She was a content and reserved woman that never tried to impress anyone. If she were out at a steak and seafood restaurant it was normal for her to order a hamburger, simply because that is what she wanted. She even enjoyed decorating her own windows and floors in woodgrain. While she would tear off a small portion of a paper towel to clean up a spill, she would order the best quality blouse to wear, as it, “made her feel good.”

Rachel loved tax season because it allowed her to visit with her client’s and catch up on their families. She deeply regretted having to give up her business at the age of 89, but arthritis was taking its toll. Though George has already passed, he may have gotten an eleven-year head start but, rest assured, there is a patch of heaven with lots of oak and cedar waiting on her.

Survivors include her son, Gerald W. Lofton and former wife, Phyllis A. Lofton; son-in-law, Frank B. Smith; son, William Eugene “Gene” Lofton and former wife, Ruth Lofton; grandchildren, Travis Smith; Tyler Smith and his wife, Piper; Greg Lofton and his wife, Megan; Jarred Lofton and his wife, Kim; Jesse Lofton and his wife, Ashley; Chris Lofton and his wife, Danielle; Keith Williams and his wife, Cheryl; and Jason Williams; and great-grandchildren, Denise; Majestik; Destiny; Emma; Paislee; Kyleeann; J.J.; Luke; and Max Lofton; Cameron McCormick; Garyjoe and Breonna Farmer; Josie and Rowan Smith; Haley Wilson; Amber and Angel Williams; and Austin and Kelsi Williams.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Mamie and James Luker; husband, George W. Lofton; daughter, Cheryl L. Smith; granddaughter, Rachel Morgan Smith; and great-granddaughter, Harley Danae Lofton.

A gathering of Mrs. Lofton’s family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m., with her funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 30, 2020, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. Her interment will follow at Memory Garden of Jefferson County, Nederland.

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