Dear Roger Smith, Jr. (and officers of the courts),

 

I have known Judy Lucas since my 13 year old granddaughter, Caroline Morrow,

was an infant.  My granddaughter had colic and would scream for hours until we (and the

doctors) finally figured out she was allergic to milk.  After many, many months of this my

poor daughter was about to loose her mind and she was referred to Judy - an absolute

God-send.  I was then living in Texas and Colorado and would fly in every other month.

Of course, being an out-of-state grandmother, I didn't wait until 5 pm to pick up Miss

Caroline.  I was in and out of Judy's house at all hours of the day and Judy was always

in perfect control of the toddlers that were in her house.  They were changed, clean and

fed - usually playing and having a ball.  The babies took their naps and were very "happy little campers".  Judy gave her heart and soul into excellent care.  She always had the newest

swings or highchairs - the best and safest on the market.  We were amazed at the order and

sweet control and discipline she had.  She played with the children and they were very, very

happy and content in her home.  She kept Macon Rose (now 10) from infancy until my

daughter, Monique and her husband moved to Fayetteville.  When Emma Grace (our third

granddaughter - now almost 3) was old enough, Monique and I would take her to Judy's

when we had a doctor's appointment or shopping in Raleigh.  Many times Emma would

not want to leave! 

 

It is heartbreaking and terribly unfortunate that an infant died in her home but we cannot

imagine that it was due to any negligence on Judy's behalf.  For one reason, Judy is

never still; she was always constantly getting up and checking on the baby or the toddlers

and the toddlers were never out of her sight.  She always had them constantly on her mind.

 

We would bring Emma Grace, our pride and joy, to her today, if it were possible.

 

Please consider that we have known this woman for years and years...day in and day out.

We know her character and her judgment and her wisdom.  She did not just do this daycare

for the money, with Judy it was a calling and a ministry - not only to the little ones but to the

Moms and Dads that needed her.  She would not even go on vacations with her husband

because she did not want to leave her working moms without care for their children.

 

I understand there was a legal number (5, I think) that the State says a childcare service

should have and I respect the law.  But I also consider that my grandmother was from a

family of ten and her mom never got in any trouble.  There is a local church here that has

many, many, many couples that have 6 to 8 children and they all look healthy, happy

and clean and well adjusted.

 

I am imploring you to look past just the legalities and consider an incredible woman's life.

She would be the "Woman of the Year" to countless numbers of us that have come in and

out of her life.

 

If you would want to speak to me at any time, please call me (home) 910 - 644-1088 or

(cell)  910 -224-5135.  I would also be very willing to testify in court, under oath, on her

behalf - you need only let me know.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read this, I remain

 

Sincerely yours,

 

Donna G. Jennings

3307 Kentyre Drive

Fayetteville, N. C.  28303