Lucille Marie Mannino Atkins was born on September 20, 1938, and earned her heavenly reward on April 8, 2026. Born in Port Arthur, TX, she was the firstborn child of Steve and Lillian Mannino.
Luci graduated from Bishop Byrne High School in 1957 and went on to attend Lamar State College of Technology, where she earned a certificate in secretarial science. She married James Atkins on October 25, 1968, and they shared 34 wonderful years together until his passing on April 13, 2002.
Luci devoted more than 40 years of her life to her work as a secretary, retiring from National Cargo Bureau in 1999.
Luci was a kind, gentle, and loving soul. A lifelong Catholic, she worshipped alongside her husband at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Port Neches. She loved easily, forgave freely, and brought joy and laughter to those around her.
In her later years, she found joy in feeding and watching the local wildlife, pampering neighborhood pets, and spending time studying her Bible. She devoted many hours to prayer, always lifting up those she loved.
Luci was welcomed into heaven by her beloved husband, James; her grandson, Gunnar; her parents, Steve and Lillian Mannino; her sister, Betty Corbin; her brother, Johnny Mannino; her great-nephew, Andrew Guerra; along with many cherished grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Luci is survived by her dearly loved daughter and son-in-law, Jami and Nicholas Lee; her nieces, Terri Thibodeaux and her husband, Kelly, and Angie Duplantis and her husband, Jimmy; her nephew, Steven Mannino and his wife, Angela; and her great-nieces, Amanda Guerra, Trista Duplantis, and Riley Mannino. She is also survived by four great-great-nieces, one great-great-nephew, three great-great-great-nieces, three great-great-great-nephews, as well as many beloved cousins, in-laws, friends, and neighbors.
Jami and Nic would like to express their deepest gratitude to the many people who supported them during this time.
They are especially thankful for their leaders and teammates at Headquarters Air Education and Training Command, Financial Management & Comptroller Directorate, and the 340th Flying Training Group at Randolph AFB, Texas. Your love, support, and understanding while they cared for their beloved Luci meant more than words can express.
They are also deeply grateful to Luci’s longtime neighbors Eddie Linares, Mike and Janie Pierce, Ricky and Jill Provost, and Christine Hartt. Luci loved and cherished each of you, and the kindness, friendship, and support you showed her over many decades will never be forgotten.
Heartfelt thanks are extended to the staff at Bonne Vie for the compassion and care given to Luci over the past five months, especially Erika, Kevin, Misty, Dora, Rachel, Kim, and so many others. Your dedication meant so much to Luci and to our family, and it has been a true blessing to form such meaningful relationships with each of you.
Finally, we extend our sincere appreciation to the care team at Heart-to-Heart Hospice. Alongside the Bonne Vie staff, you are truly doing God’s work, and we are forever grateful.
A visitation will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a rosary to be recited at 5:00 p.m., at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home in Port Neches. Funeral services for Luci will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Port Neches. Interment will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Groves, with a reception to follow at Hebert Hall.