Mary Lucille Baughman

Mary Lucille Cataldi Baughman
October 19, 1923 - September 1, 2023

Heaven gained a new "take charge" angel Friday morning, September 1, 2023.

A visitation honoring Mrs. Mary will be held Sunday, September 3, 2023 from 1-2pm at Ray Funeral Home with a Celebration of Life Service at 2pm. A graveside service will follow at the Drew City Cemetery. 

Lucille Cataldi was born in Leland, MS, to Santo "Charlie" and Mary Giardina Cataldi, who came to Mississippi from Sicily.  She attended Leland Schools, where she played basketball on the high school team in the eighth grade.

She was married to Odie Mims "Pete" Baughman until his passing in 2005.  She was a resident of Drew for 75 years and would have celebrated her 100th birthday on October 19.  

She was a member of the Drew Baptist Church,  Drew Culture Club, the Tuesday and Wednesday Bridge Groups, and participated in a Mexican Train Domino Group.  She loved playing bridge and did not learn until her eighties.  The family is so appreciative of the bridge and domino groups for helping to keep her active and involved up to the end of her life.  

Her iPad and cell phone were always within reach so she could play games and keep in touch on Facebook.  Books and her bible always sat beside her chair.  She always looked forward to her trips to the Gulf Coast.

She was an excellent cook and well-known for preparing a banquet-sized meal for unexpected guests within half an hour.  Her fried fish, fresh vegetables, dove suppers, and Italian meals were always a treat.  Everyone was expected to attend.  She was a fierce defender and supporter of her family and friends and will be missed by many.  

Lucille was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sister, Zena Hodge, Sarah Favara, and Rosalie Gardner, son-in-law, Jerry Brown and great-grandson, Skylar Burnley.

She is survived by her children, Marian Brown of Yazoo City, Sandra Wilson (Gerald) of Germantown, TN, Leslie Baughman of Plano, Pete Baughman (Scarlett) of Montevista, Johnny Stacy Baughman (Georgia) of Drew, seven grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren, five nieces, two nephews, and many cousins.  

The family wishes to thank Don Blackwood, the medical staff at North Sunflower Hospital, and her skilled and caring caregivers and Adoration health care workers.  

In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to Drew United Methodist Church and Drew Baptist Church.