News Summary
Lucius Menifee, Jr., a beloved member of the Chattanooga community, passed away, leaving a legacy of kindness and dedication. A public viewing and celebration of his life are scheduled for June. His impact on family and friends will be forever cherished.
Chattanooga, Tennessee – Lucius Menifee, Jr., a cherished community member, passed away on May 19, 2025, at the age of 65. His passing has left a deep void in the hearts of family, friends, and the greater Chattanooga community.
Born on July 26, 1959, Lucius was the son of the late Rev. Lucius Menifee, Sr. and Louise Douglas Menifee. He was a lifelong resident of Chattanooga and proudly graduated from Howard High School in the Class of 1977. Throughout his life, he was known for his strong Baptist faith, warm spirit, and unwavering dedication to his community.
Lucius held a variety of job positions during his lifetime. He worked at Franklin-Strickland Funeral Home, Standard Coosa Thatcher, and Top Flight Paper Company. Alongside these roles, he pursued his entrepreneurial spirit by owning Family BBQ and the Chattanooga Escort Service, showcasing his commitment to both his career and the community he loved.
He is preceded in death by his parents and several siblings, including brothers Edward “Buster” Chapman and James Jeffrey Menifee, along with sister Barbara Jean Chapman. Lucius is survived by his children, including daughter Latarsha J. Collier and sons Montez Menifee and Christian Menifee, as well as stepson Brandon Wordlaw. His legacy continues through his twelve grandchildren: Mar’Quiesha Conyers, Latavious Conyers, Cameron Conyers, Abigail Menifee, Aniyah Menifee, Malayah Menifee, Christian Menifee, Jr., Baylee Wordlaw, Breelyn Wordlaw, Noella Wordlaw, Cassius Wordlaw, and Brandon Wordlaw, Jr.
His siblings include brothers Fredrick Brown, Willie Lee Menifee, Darrell Menifee, and Marvin Menifee, along with sisters Joyce Chapman, Gwendolyn Smith, Charlotte Brown, Alice Turner, and Willie Ruth Menifee. Additionally, Lucius had a loving companion, Keasha Nelson, who supported him throughout his life. Known for his kindness, sense of humor, and affection for those around him, Lucius will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
The community is invited to pay their respects during a public viewing scheduled for Friday, June 6, from 2-6 p.m. at the Franklin-Strickland Funeral Home. A celebration of Lucius Menifee, Jr.’s life will be held on Saturday, June 7, at John P. Franklin Funeral Home in Chattanooga, with interment following at Summit Cemetery on Sanders Road, Summit.
Lucius Menifee, Jr.’s legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and the community that he served and cherished throughout his life. His warmth and spirited nature will continue to inspire those who knew him, serving as a reminder of the impact one individual can have on many.
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- Chattanoogan: Lucius Menifee Jr.
- Google Search: Lucius Menifee
- WDEF: Menifee Gets 25 Years
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
- Times Free Press: Second Murder Charge
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chattanooga
