Ethylene Culotta Lucas

Ethylene Culotta Lucas, 87, of Lumberton, passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025. She was born on December 15, 1938, to Katie Rose Culotta Hutto and Joseph Culotta, in New Iberia, Louisiana.

Ethylene’s life was rooted in her love for God and her unwavering faith. As a devoted Christian, she touched the lives of many through her kindness and example. She signed every card with the words, “Jesus loves you, and so do I,” a message that beautifully captured the love she shared so freely.

She found joy in simple pleasures, especially baking her well-loved chocolate drops and going shopping. She cherished the holidays, particularly Christmas, when her home came alive with twinkling lights, snowmen, and decorations that reflected her joyful spirit.  Above all, she adored being surrounded by family and found great happiness in hosting parties for any occasion—celebrations filled with laughter, love, and togetherness.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Zack Lucas, Sr.; parents, Joseph Culotta and Katie Rose Culotta Hutto; stepfather, Ronal “Bud” Hutto; brother, Ronal Hutto, Jr.; aunt, Ellen Atkinson; grandson, Travis Dyson; nephew, Devin Colvin; and cousin, Father Salvador Culotta.

She is survived by her children, Carolyn Mercer and her husband, Craig, Brenda Lucas, and Zack Lucas and his wife, Theresa; grandchildren, SFC (Ret.) John B. Vandewater, Jr. and his wife, Leslie, Candace Robson and her husband, Jared, Robert Vandewater and Sonya Waerehu, Kristina Dyson, Megan Newcomb and her husband, DJ, Karlee Lucas and David Sharkey; step grandchildren, Carrie Irvin and her husband, Chris and Russell Mercer and his wife, Johana; great-grandchildren, Caitlyn Sonnier and her husband, Keegan, Eli Vandewater, Haylie Robson, Eryn Vandewater, Jase Robson, Madelyn Vandewater, William Vandewater, Addylin Sharkey, Aulbree Sharkey, and  Kamryn Newcomb; step great-grandchildren, Spencer Newcomb, Chandler Irvin, Cecelia Irvin, and Chiara Mercer; and great-great-grandson, Kai Sonnier; sisters, Frances Crawford and her husband Ken and Inez Colvin, and numerous nieces and nephews; cousins, Olivia Culotta McKee and her husband, Joe, and Charles Culotta, Jr. and his wife, Pat.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Three Oaks-Hospice care and nurses, Nina and Heather, and Crystal, her caregiver, for their care and compassion.

Memorial contributions may be made to River of Life Worship Center, P.O. Box 1327, Vidor, Texas 77670 and flowers may be sent to Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.

A gathering of Mrs. Lucas’ family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m., with her funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 27, 2025, at River of Life Worship Center, 595 West Freeway Boulevard South, Vidor. Her interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.