Mary Idella Lacy
Mary Idella Lacy, fondly known as “Doll” was born on March 3, 1932, in Gurley, Alabama, and peacefully departed this life on March 26, 2024.
Mary was a faithful member of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where she served on the Usher Board for many decades. Her life’s mission was to be a caregiver to anyone in need, a role she embraced with love and compassion. She truly enjoyed shopping and was wearing beautiful boutique clothing. She was an avid gardener. Mary found joy in cultivating fresh flowers and creating beautiful landscapes. To all who knew her, she was affectionately known as Mama Doll.
She was preceded in death by her loving mother, Dora Bell; her father, Andy Bell; her devoted husband, Ira Lacy; her daughter, Beverly Joyce McCowan; her grandson, Theron Lacy; her sisters, Zulily Fleming, Charlene Jones, and her brothers, Thomas Bell and Tru-Love Bell.
Left to cherish her memory are her children: Ira Lacy Jr. (Landras) of Nashville, Janice McKinney (Don) of Knoxville, and Anita Lacy of Atlanta. She is also survived by her brother, Cleveland Bell of Dayton, Oh. Mama Doll was adored by her grandchildren: Kilzma (Ivan) Brown, Kevin (Alicia) McKinney, Brandon (Alaina)McKinney, Don McKinney Jr., LeTrese Lacy, and Ira Lacy III; as well as her eight great-grandchildren: Dior, Atlas, Reagyn, Lacye, Sage, Yara, Legacie, and Londyn; special gratitude to Cheryl, Donna, and Diana Brazelton.
Mary Idella Lacy’s legacy of love, kindness, and selflessness will forever be cherished by those whose lives she touched. May she rest in eternal peace.
Public viewing will be held 9-11 a.m. on Friday, April 5, followed by an 11 a.m. funeral service in the chapel of the funeral home.
Interment will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens, Hwy. 153.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, 423 622-9995.