Reverend Charles Dr. Payne Lucas Jr.
Pastor-Civil Rights Leader-Community Servant
A Life Well Lived
Reverend Charles Payne Lucas, Jr., passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025, at 84.
Born in Wheeling, West Virginia on February 26, 1941, Rev. Lucas lived in Cadiz, Ohio until age five. After that his parents; Charles Payne Lucas, Sr. and Hazel W. Lucas relocated to Cleveland, where Charles, Sr., became a civic leader, businessman, and politician and Hazel; a Cleveland Public School teacher and community leader.
During his teens, Lucas ran for student council president at both Patrick Henry Jr. High and Glenville High School and won. His educational pursuits led him to University of Pittsburgh, Boston University and the University of Central America. He was initiated into the Omicron Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., in 1962. His favorite colors were purple and gold.
Rev. Lucas fondly tells his story about how he was called to preach in the third pew/row at St. James A.M.E Church. Rev. Lucas was ordained in 1969 as Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Toledo, Ohio.
Rev. Lucas’ pastorate included St. Paul A.M.E Church on Cleveland’s West Side, where the congregation built a new edifice and initiated new teen programs under his leadership. Next, he Pastored Greater Avery A.M.E. Church in Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood, where the church acquired four adjacent properties and encouraged new business and housing development in the community. Rev. Lucas was then called to Pastor at First A.M.E. Church in Kansas City, Kansas where in addition to serving that large congregation, he ran for and was elected City Commissioner in Kansas City, Kansas. He returned to Cleveland to help care for his father and served as Pastor of Christ Our Redeemer A.M.E. Church for 17 years. Along the way, Rev. Lucas grew to become a master eulogist, a historian, and a phenomenal storyteller.
While Pastoring at Christ Our Redeemer, Rev. Lucas developed serious health issues. A subsequent spinal surgery left him paralyzed from the waist down. Challenged to live in a wheelchair, Pastor Lucas didn’t allow disability to stop him from spreading God’s word and helping his community. At the final place he would serve, the beloved St. James A.M.E Church of his childhood, Pastor Lucas led many innovative events, including a live animal nativity scene to celebrate Christmas, several recognition programs and a gospel concert headlined by CeCe Winans. He took great pride that the A.M.E. church bestowed him with the title Vicar. He was also honored to become St. James A.ME. Church’s first Emeritus Pastor and the Chaplain at Lucas Funeral Home.
Rev. Lucas’ commitment to his faith was matched only by his dedication to social justice, community service and helping countless African-Americans achieve their dreams and goals. He served on more than 19 executive boards and advisory committees, including President of Cleveland’s NAACP; President of the Cleveland Methodist Alliance; President of the A.M.E. Connectional Alliance; President of the Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland; Chairman of the Community Relations Board in Cleveland; President of the RTA Board; and a National Board Member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Foundation.
He was married to the late Vicki F. Lucas and the couple were the first African Americans ever to marry in the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. They are survived by two beautiful children; Jason (Yolanda) Lucas and Dr. Laurel “Lolli” (Jeff) Lucas; two handsome grandchildren; Harper and Beckett, his pride and joy, one first cousin; Charles N. Jordan; and a host of aunts and uncles, cousins, family, and friends. Rev. Lucas was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Hazel Lucas. He shared many cherished memories of family gatherings and special trips to Sedalia, Missouri, and Cadiz, Ohio.
Rev. Lucas was thankful to be a part of Lucas Legacy.
As we celebrate Charles P. Lucas, Jr.'s, life may his abundant love, unwavering spirit and generous community contributions inspire us all.
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