Julia Amanda Pridgen Lueck (affectionately known as "Julie" or "Cricket"), 87, passed from her earthly life on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. We will be forever grateful for the security, love, adventure and joy she brought to the lives of her family and friends.

Born on March 24, 1934 in Pender County, Cricket was the daughter of Henry and Phedora Bordeaux Pridgen.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Richard Lueck; son-in-law, Richard E. Jackson; grandson, Nicholas Bentley Jackson; brothers, Harry, Bobby and Merle Pridgen; sisters, Nette Campbell, Hazel Pridgen, and Betty White.

Still celebrating the legacy and memories of Cricket are her son, George Henry (Hank) Lueck; daughter, Linda Lueck Jackson; grandchildren Logan Lueck (Rachel), Evan, Corin and Ayla Lueck, Alex Jackson (Rheagan) and Amanda Jackson; sister, Gail Moss; sisters-in-law, Addie Pridgen and Terry Manzo; many nieces nephews and good friends.

Cricket graduated from Burgaw High School in 1955, thoroughly enjoying her years of driving the school bus and playing basketball. After losing her husband in 1961, she poured her heart into parenting her two young children, as well as the numerous foster children whose lives she blessed.  She was an avid baker, seamstress, bowler, traveler, dancer and an amazing alto for her church choir at Harbor United Methodist Church.  Cricket took pride in helping to bring new members to her church.  She sang there for 25 years, during which time she also sang in a ladies' ensemble known as Waves of Grace.

Cricket shared the last nine years of her life with her beloved partner and best friend, Billy Ruddell. They spent countless hours reminiscing about their childhood and playing their favorite game, Rummikub. The two of them could always be found on Mondays and Thursdays at Harbor UMC playing Rummikub and having a good time with their friends.

Cricket was a blessing to everyone who called her Mom, Nana, Sister, Aunt and Friend.  She will be very missed, however, we will always be grateful that God chose to allow us to be part of her life.  Cricket is singing and dancing in heaven with those who went before her, welcomed with open arms to her new heavenly life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her name to St. Jude Children's Hospital at www.stjude.org , or to the charity of one's choice.

A Graveside service will be held at Wilmington National Cemetery, 2011 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28403, on Monday, March 14, 2022 at 11am. There will be limited parking at the National Cemetery, please leave a note on the Quinn McGowen website by selecting Tribute Wall above and Hank will reach out to you to coordinate carpooling.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Saltbox Church, 4008 College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412, on Monday, March 14, 2022 at 3pm. The Saltbox Church family has graciously made their facilities available to us. There will be music and testimony at the celebration and if you would like to gather after we can eat and enjoy each other. There will be kitchen facilities available for anyone who would like to bring food.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting Tribute Wall above.

Quinn McGowen Funeral Home – Wilmington

910-794-7171