Lucy Baxley, Alabama's first female lieutenant governor and the last Democrat elected to statewide office, died Friday in her Birmingham home, her family said.
Lucy, an iconic politician in the state, was 78 years old.
"She was an incredible cook, a watchful but stern teacher, a woman of many feelings but few outward emotions, and, most of all, she was a friend to all in need," said Louis Baxley, Lucy's son. "But more than anything, she was the grandmother who brought a smile to my kids' faces every time she held them, and for that I will always be grateful."
Lucy started her career as a successful real estate agent in the Birmingham area. After that, she went on to be elected state treasurer as a Democrat in 1994, and she was reelected in 1998.
"A devoted Christian, Lucy always trusted God first and her gut and grit second to lead her through life," her family said.
In 2002, Lucy was elected as the state's first female lieutenant governor.
"Often wearing her signature red outfit, she demanded respect, decorum and punctuality," her family said.
She oversaw the 35-member Alabama Senate in that capacity until she decided to run for governor in 2006. During that election cycle, she was the Democratic nominee for governor against incumbent Republican Gov. Bob Riley.
She lost, but her political career wasn't over, despite suffering a severe stroke after the loss.
In 2008, Lucy was elected as the President of the Alabama Public Service Commission. As the president of the PSC, she was the last Democrat elected to statewide office.
Gov. Robert Bentley said Lucy was a great public servant in a statement Friday.
"Lucy Baxley loved Alabama and loved the people of Alabama," Bentley said. "I enjoyed our time working together when I served in the Legislature. Lucy will forever be remembered as a fierce advocate for the people of Alabama."
Lucy is survived by her husband of 20 years, Jim Smith, her son Louis Baxley, daughter Becky Nichols, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She is also survived by her former husband Bill Baxley, who also served as the state's attorney general and lieutenant governor.
Under the campaign slogan "I love Lucy," she campaigned for a higher minimum wage, lower utility rates and equal pay for equal work.
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