It has been a very sad year for McGruthers, McGruders, Magruders, and all who care about our history. In February, we lost Sue Emerson, author of the monumental genealogy project, Magruders in America. In October, Duncan (Don) McGruther left us. Back in the 1990s, Don’s thorough search of Scottish records disproved the American belief that Alexander the Immigrant was a member of Clan Gregor. He actually set out to prove the relationship, but found nothing to support it and much to suggest it was impossible. Along the way he uncovered the details of MacGrouther history–all 500 years of it.

(Both Don’s book, Wha’s Like Us? : MacGrouthers in Scotland before 1855 and Sue’s Magruders in America will soon be available through this site. Watch for an update.)

Now Lucille Osborne, matriarch and grand spirit of the Alabama McGruder tribe, has departed this earth.

If you don’t recall Miss Lucille, you can meet her in my 2021 post “Miss Lucille & the Alabama Black McGruders win an Emmy!” or read her profile in the pages of J.R. Rothstein’s 2022 book, The Alabama Black McGruders. Through decades of shared research by the family, Lucille’s memories and discoveries, her encouragement, her persistence, and her positive attitude helped keep the ball rolling and the work joyful.

A memorial mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 3, 10:00 Eastern time, at the Church of the Holy Family in Grand Blanc, Michigan, and live streamed on the church’s YouTube channel.

I understand that Miss Lucille’s obituary will be published after the service. I will update here with a link.