SHAWNEE, Okla. — Mary Ellen Lackey,

82, of Shawnee, Okla., passed away on April 28th, 2020. She was one of the rare few that not only dream of an interesting life, she lived out loud and squeezed out all the juice that life had to offer.

Born in Washington, D.C., oldest of five children. After HS, she graduated from St. Agnes Nursing School in Baltimore, Md., as a RN. She married entrepreneur, Bill Lackey of Kimbell, W. Va., and had three sons. The Lackeys moved to Little Rock in the early 70s where she raised her boys while her husband, the original VP of Sales for Federal Express was one of their first three employees. Mary Ellen also graduated Summa Kum Laude from UALR with a MSW in her 40s. As a Therapist, she nurtured a deep spiritual practice as a Buddhist for the rest of her life. After 25 years of marriage, her husband Bill was killed in a 1985 Delta plane crash in Dallas. She then took over as CEO of Lackey Oil & Gas Company, operating in Shawnee, Okla., since the early 80s. She moved to Shawnee in the 90s to be close to her work and two sons and grandchildren. She was an avid reader, with a keen intellect, strong political opinion and had a huge heart.

Life adventures include working with Mother Teresa in India. Personal time with, the Dalai Lama. She lived for several years on a Buddhist Ashram on retreat in California. Bill Clinton was a friend of the Lackeys and spent time at their house, as Governor of Arkansas. Her remodeled LR home was featured on the cover of “Southern Living” Magazine. In her later years, she was active member of the Fine Arts community in Shawnee, and was politically active in protests around OKC.

Her legacy is in her sons - Skip Lackey of Boulder, Colo., Scott Lackey and Shawn Lackey of Shawnee, Okla.; stepson, Larry Lackey of Charleston, W. Va. We also want to acknowledge her stepson, Michael Lackey, who passed away several years ago. Lots of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other beautiful souls from a number of blended families, too many to mention. Also, a lot of longtime friends that have been like family that will greatly miss her spirit, intellect and passion for knowledge and her heart.

Her sons will entomb her ashes alongside her husband on what would have been their 60th wedding anniversary - Friday, Aug 7th – at 11 a.m., Forest Hills Cemetery, 10200 Hwy 5 (Old Stagecoach Rd)

Alexander, Ark. (Semi-Casual it will be HOT so no formal wear expected).