WILMINGTON – With dignity and grace and family by her side, Mildred Futrell Lackey left this life quietly on Thursday, September 9, 2010 in Wilmington, NC, to be with her Lord and her heavenly family.

Born in Murfreesboro, NC on January 31, 1921 to Emma Loder Futrell and Dr. Lokie Melton Futrell, Mildred was educated at Chowan College and Meredith College, then came back to her hometown to marry Walter Charles Lackey in 1944 who preceded her in death in 1981.

Mildred leaves behind her sister, Margaret DeLoatch of Murfreesboro; and three loving and devoted children and their families.  Her family includes her son, Sonny Lackey and wife, Gayle, of Greensboro, NC; her granddaughter, Louise Sparks and husband, Rev. Rob Sparks, of Decatur, Ga.; two great grandsons, Robert and Gibson Sparks; a grandson, Chad Lackey and wife, Anna, of Greensboro; a great grandson, Baxter Lackey and great granddaughter Elle Lackey.  Her Wilmington family includes her son, Walt Lackey and wife, Kitsy; grandsons Kyle Lackey and Travis Lackey and wife, Anna; her daughter, Dr. Emma Jane Lackey and husband, Ed Merritt; grandson Stewart and wife, Dr. Mindy Nace Meritt; and a granddaughter, Emily Merritt, and a special friend Frank Spencer.

Mildred respected the Lord and knew that He would always take care of her.  She loved her family with a passion and always kept them in the center of her circle of love.  She always tried to look for the good in everyone and in every situation –“there’s always a little good in everything” – she often would say.

Graveside services and burial will be held in her hometown of Murfreesboro at Riverside Cemetery on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Arthur Warren, Rev. Andrea Woodhouse, and Rev. David Woodhouse presiding. Following the service, the family will be at the home of Margaret DeLoatch in Murfreesboro for visitation and sharing of this wonderful lady’s life.

The family wishes to thank Carol Wilson, Viney Hayes, Wanda Kelley, Ruby Hardison, and Fran Cain for their devoted friendship and care during her declining years.  Also, there is a special place in their hearts for her church family and Minister Revs. David and  Andi Woodhouse at the Wesleyan Chapel United Methodist Church in Scotts Hill for their thoughts and prayers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Wesleyan Chapel United Methodist Church in Scotts Hill (10255 Hwy. 17N, Wilmington, NC, 28411) or to the Murfreesboro Historical Association (P.O.Box 3, Murfreesboro, NC  27855.

Bridgers Funeral Home, Inc. in Conway is in charge of arrangements.