Lucy Pat Curl, 85, succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday, Feb. 4, after she was severely beaten by a man posing as a community service officer to gain access to her home.
Lucy Pat is the wife of pastor Bill Curl, who serves on the pastoral care team at First Baptist Church in Orlando, Florida. The husband and wife team had been serving in ministry together for 50 years, including 18 years on the mission field.
According to police, on the morning of Jan. 31, Ronald Davis, 55, forced his way into the Curls’ residence after he falsely identified himself as a community service officer and claimed he needed to check the home.
Lucy Pat informed officers that Davis hit her multiple times until she was knocked unconscious. She was later found by her husband after he returned home from counseling someone at a local pregnancy center.
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Lucy Pat was immediately taken to the hospital by emergency medical services and was later placed on life support due to a brain bleed, which doctors determined was inoperable.
Law enforcement found Davis’ wallet inside the Curls’ home. They were able to locate and arrest the assailant the following morning.
Lucy Pat’s daughter shared the news of her mother’s death on a CaringBridge page dedicated to sharing updates on Lucy Pat’s condition.
“On Tuesday Lucy Pat was taken off life support. She went on to Heaven early this morning. We rejoice that she is no longer in pain,” Lucy Pat’s daughter wrote.
“The circumstances of her passing are shocking and abrupt, and not what we would have expected or chosen,” she added. “But as our Lord has forgiven us, we are asked to forgive each other.”
The update shared how Bill plans to show a photo of his wife to her attacker.