Cathy Denise McCall Lackey, 72, of Leavenworth, Kan., passed away on January 9, 2025. She was born on December 9, 1952, in Statesville, N.C., to Marjorie Sue and Clarence E. McCall Sr. and later raised by her step-mother VanMeter (Reid) McCall. She was the fifth of eight children. She grew up with her sweetheart, Michael Bruce Lackey Sr., and they were married on January 5, 1970. Cathy and Michael had three children, Michael Bruce Jr., Ronald Preston, and Frenchie Denise.
In January of 1980, Cathy and Michael moved to Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., where they have lived for the last 45 years. There they continued to raise their three children, and welcomed four grandchildren. Cathy was a core member of Independent Missionary Baptist Church, where she helped lead the choir, prayer, and missionary ministries. She was also known by her comedic persona ‘Sista Collard Green,” and she was sure to give a room full of people a night of laughter. Cathy cherished the role of friend, leader, activist, advocate, aunt, mother, and grandmother, but no doubt held the title of wife most proudly, as her and Michael had just celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. Cathy was the glue and heartbeat of her family, holding everyone together no matter the circumstance. She talked with the Lord frequently, and was quick to remind everyone that “Jesus is on the main line.”
Cathy was preceded in death by her oldest son, Michael Bruce Lackey Jr.; her brothers, Harvey Lee Stevenson, Clarence McCall Jr. and Frank McCall; and her parents, Clarence and Majorie McCall and VanMeter McCall.
She is survived by her husband, Michael Bruce Lackey Sr.; her children, Ronald (Kim) Lackey and Frenchie (Jason) Flowers; her grandchildren, Madison, Mahkala, Michal and Major Lackey; her siblings, Ronald, Christopher ‘Skip’ (Candy), Lisa and Hope (Christopher); her niece, Danette (Chad) Glover; and many other family members and loved ones.
Visitation will be from 12 to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at First Baptist Church-Statesville, 464 Garfield Street, Statesville, N.C. A funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. on Tuesday at the church. Burial will be in Belmont Cemetery in Statesville, N.C. Donations can be made to the Leavenworth chapter of the NAACP in Cathy’s honor.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, is serving the family.