Decades of service to her church, community

Highland Park honors 95-year-old matriarch

Thursday, March 9, 2006

Click here to enlarge this photo Bryan Haynes⁄The Gazette Charlotte Dozier (left) congratulates Lucy Wyatt, 95, during a gathering at First Baptist Church of Highland Park in Landover that honored Wyatt for 61 years of service to the church.

Wyatt was born on Feb. 8, 1911. She married James Christopher Wyatt in 1929, and supported him when he was called to pastor the church in 1945.

‘‘They rallied people for spiritual guidance and edification when the black community here was not so big,” said Ronald Johnson, minister of music.

‘‘My parents spearheaded the integration of the school system in Prince George’s County,” added Angela Wyatt Taylor, their daughter.

Lucy Wyatt and her husband had six children of their own and she is known as ‘‘Mother Wyatt” to many others. She also has 14 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.

Sunday night’s program included a video presentation, songs sung by her grandchildren, and reflections from church members.

Messages from family who could not attend were read, including one from granddaughter Chloe Wyatt Taylor, who included a funny anecdote about how she and Wyatt disagreed about what should go into pancake batter. Wyatt Taylor found comfort in knowing they were both strong-willed.

Daughter Delores Crawford said her mother ‘‘never ceases to amaze even her family”.

Granddaughter Renee Berkeley said, ‘‘I thank God for my grandmother; she is such an inspiration.”

State Sen. Nathaniel Exum (D-Dist. 24) of Capitol Heights and Del. Carolyn J.B. Howard (D-Dist. 24) of Landover presented resolutions honoring Wyatt. Howard also shared personal recollections of how Wyatt was a mentor to her.

Wyatt is remembered for her tireless efforts in raising funds at the church, and the way she showed concern for everyone with whom she came in contact.

On Mother’s Day in 1974, one of the church’s choir, now known as the Lucy V. Wyatt Sanctuary Choir, was renamed in her honor.

In his sermon, Pastor Henry P. Davis III said Wyatt, ‘‘has been willing to serve others.” The church will plant her favorite tree, the flowering cherry, on the grounds and place a bench under the tree in Wyatt’s honor.

For her part, Wyatt responded to the outpouring of affection in a clear voice that belied her 95 years.

‘‘You have filled my heart,” she said. ‘‘I didn’t know you loved me as much as you did. Now that I know, I’ll try to be better to you.”

Deacon Robert Vinson said, ‘‘We are glad to give her flowers while she [can] smell them.”