Baylor Mourns Loss Of Associate Math Professor

by Lori Scott Fogleman

Baylor University lost one of its devoted and longtime professors Aug. 18 with the passing of Lucille Williams Brigham, associate professor of math for more than 40 years.
Funeral services for Brigham, who was 70, were held Aug. 21 in Waco with Dr. Scott Walker of First Baptist Church, Waco, and Dr. Herbert H. Reynolds, Baylor's president emeritus, officiating. Burial followed at Oakwood Cemetery.
At Baylor, Brigham taught precalculus and precalculus and calculus for business. She was scheduled to teach three classes this fall.
"Mrs. Lucille Brigham was a dedicated teacher inside and outside the classroom," said Dr. Edwin P. Oxford, chair of Baylor's department of math. "Not only was she a devoted teacher of disciplinary content, she helped students and colleagues through a nurturing nature and by involvement in a wide range of service activities. Her strength of character and social grace were manifested in a cordial, supportive, constructive demeanor.
"We were blessed by knowing Lucille."
Brigham was born Oct. 10, 1931 to Dr. Walter Jefferson Williams, the longtime chair of Baylor's math department, and Lucy Abney Williams. She was a graduate of Waco High School and Baylor, where she earned her bachelor's and master's degree. In addition to teaching, she devoted much of her life to the university and its activities, including serving as faculty sponsor for Kappa Alpha Theta. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Waco.
Survivors include her daughters, Mary Sue Hayward and husband, Chris, of Dallas, and Shari Lynn Wilfong and husband, John, of Waco; son, John Edwin Brigham and wife, Jan, of Waco; grandchildren, Brooke Brigham, Brian Brigham, Rachel Wilfong, Mathew Wilfong and Meghan Wilfong, and many cousins.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Walter J. and Lucy Sue Williams and Lucille Williams Brigham Scholarship Fund at Baylor University or The Panhellenic Building at Baylor University.