When a person dies, it is typically left to the immediate family to carry on the legacy and the memory. That is not the case for Ann Marie Lackey, survived by her husband Hal; sons, Lowell and James; and four siblings, Bill, Catherine, Trischa, and James. She was many things in her life: a wife, a mother, a devoted Tar Heel fan, but most importantly she was a teacher.
Born to Gedimenis and Patrica Reinis in 1965 and raised in Rochester, N.Y., Ann was always meant to be a person of great impact. Neither on any political stage nor on any great business venture, Ann was always destined for the classroom. She spent most of her scholastic career at her second home, West Iredell Middle School. It was there she became a second Mother to hundreds, if not thousands, of students throughout the years and was a rock for them to express themselves to. These children learned with, fought with, and cried with my Mother. Throughout her career, not a day went by that she didn’t love what she did. Every summer we would wait for the penny sales at office supplies stores so she could make sure that her classroom was stocked and her children were never without what they needed. She has touched countless lives with her sense of humor, her loud and boisterous nature, and a heart that was incapable of turning away to someone in need. I cannot count the amount of times someone stopped me in and asked “Are you Mrs.Lackey’s son?” She was someone that went beyond her role as a teacher and was a caregiver; her love and compassion became her calling card. Even in the midst of cancer, chemotherapy treatments and all the various maladies that affected her later in life, you could rarely find her without her smile, always reaching ear to ear. We were all better off with Ann in the world, a beacon to keep fighting, an example to all to stay strong. I know my brother and I would not be the people we are today if not for her. She always joked with us, “The good die young; I don’t have a chance” I wish that was the case. Her memory will continue with everyone that walked in her home and her classroom.
I love you Mom, I only wish I could have told you more. — Lowell Lackey
Chapman Funeral Home is serving the Lackey family.
Beautifully said, Lowell! Your mom was something special, never to be forgotten.
A great tribute.
To The family of Ann Lackey my deepest condolences. Ann and I worked at West Middle School for many years and stayed friends in trouble messing with the kids and staff. She was one of a kind and was loved by all. Rest in peace, my friend. I love you.
I’m so sorry for your loss! I had the pleasure to work with Ann and she was loved by many of her students and co-workers! Prayers for the family!
It could not have been said better. With Love from Lynda Buckbee or as you called me Grandma Lynda.
A beautiful soul. Passionate, feisty, modest, loud (in the best way), and truly just a wonderful human. Love you always, my lovely Lackey. Love, Your sassy Campo ❤️
My thoughts are with you and your family at this time; may your memories bring you comfort.
“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.” ~~ Eskimo Proverb
Sending my condolences to you and your family. She will truly be missed!
I remember when you young men were born and she was always ready to tell us how proud she was of you! She made an impact on all the lives she came in contact with. She made a difference in this world as her uniqueness was like none other. Our prayers are with all of you for peace as you face the future. There was only one Ann Lackey and we all loved her.
This is beautiful and very true! Your mother was an amazing woman. She touched so many. She always spoke of her children with the highest regards.
I enjoyed many long conversations with Ann while at West Middle. She was not only a great teacher, she cared for her students and helped them through many tough situations. Rest in peace, friend.
What a beautiful tribute to your mom. Ann was a passionate and strong individual. She is in the hearts of all her students and will never be forgotten. Forever a Mustang.
Rest easy, beautiful angel. My favorite math teacher! The only teacher that understood me in school; she cried with me when I was having issues and bringing them to school. She helped me make a big impact with my attitude and learning. You will be missed, Ms. Lackey, the greatest of all time, the goat! Her kids and grandkids were blessed to have someone like her. Prayers to you all. We love you, Ms. Lackey. Never forgotten!
Ann was like a second mom to me. From going on beach trips during the summer to help with you boys, coming to my graduation party from HS, to coming to my baby shower and getting lunch whenever I was in town. This news hit hard and I hate I didn’t her see one more time. Keeping you all in my prayers. She was an amazing woman.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Ann and I (along with many other customers) had a Party when she checked out my groceries at Food Lion. She kept me updated on her amazing boys and there was always a big hug before I got my total grocery bill. Sometimes we had a little prayer. She knew how to make your day fabulous even in her struggles! 🫶🙏🏽
So many memories come to mind throughout the years. Form harassment over Carolina-Duke games, to childhood vacations, dinners, playing cards, our childhoods were beautiful because of Ms Ann.
Thinking of your family dearly during this time.
Thanks Lowell
I appreciate the deep and personal relationships everyone on this post so beautifully expressed. I’ll miss my sister but she obviously touched many of you in a way that will not be forgotten soon. Rest easy, Ann. Your legacy has been sealed as the upbeat and positive soul that is only you.
Bill Reinis
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Mrs Lackey was a wonderful teacher. I had the privilege of meeting her when my son had her in middle school. She was the best teacher. She loved all her kids and had such a passion for teaching and always was there for them. Such a beautiful person inside and out. We need more teachers with her passion for kids. She will truly be missed but always remembered as a true and genuine teacher and friend to all.