Ruth Elizabeth Mayberry Lackey

Ruth Elizabeth Mayberry Lackey, 97, passed away on August 27, 2026, at Autumn Care of Statesville in Iredell County. She was born on June 28, 1929, in Alexander County.

Ruth lived a life marked by devotion to her work, her church, and the people she loved most. During her working career, she served as a CNA at Alexander Hospital for 30 years, giving steady and compassionate care to others. She attended Mt. Nebo Baptist Church and found joy in the simple and beautiful blessings of life. She enjoyed traveling, tending to her flowers and rose bushes, and baking cakes, especially for the community, until recently. Above all, she loved and cherished her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dover Lackey, her beloved husband of 77 years. She was also preceded in death by her parents, John “Glover” Mayberry and Fannie Mitchell Mayberry; her sisters, Edith Perry, Hazel Lambert, Ruby Kerr, Ethel Mayberry, and Loretta Warren; and her daughter-in-law, Vickie Lackey.

Left to treasure her memory are her children, Martha Bentley and husband Roy, George Lackey and wife Connie, Sharon Lackey, and Byron Lackey. Survived by seven grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, two step grandchildren, two step great-grandchildren, one step great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by her sister, Colene Cockrell; her sister-in-law, Mildred Lackey; and her special friends, Nancy Pharr, Lucille Mash, Wanda Rector, Margaret Ann Southers, and Betty Sloan. Also, several nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Their lives were blessed by her kindness, her caring spirit, and the love she so freely shared.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm at Mt Nebo Baptist Church, 2600 Old Mountain Rd, Hiddenite, NC 28636. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 pm at the church. Burial will be at South River United Methodist Church Cemetery, 2540 Cheatham Ford Road, Hiddenite, NC 28636. Rev. Brian Eades and Rev. Eddie Jolly will officiate. Lebanon Quartet will sing. Andy Lackey, Avery Lackey, Kyle Lackey, Shaun Lackey, Wesley Lackey, and Richard Duncan will serve as pallbearers.

The family will accept flowers, or donations may be made to Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, 2600 Old Mountain Road, Hiddenite, NC 28636, South River Methodist Church Cemetery Fund c/o Ronnie Sharpe, 2137 Hill River Road, Hiddenite, NC 28636, or Lebanon Baptist Church, 167 Lebanon Church Lane, Taylorsville, NC 28681.

Ruth will be remembered with love and gratitude for her long life of service, her devotion to family, and the warmth she brought to her community.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service.

Condolences may be sent to www.alexfuneralservice.com