Nell Lackey – Obituary

Nell Lackey, 97, a longtime resident of Huntsville, passed away Tuesday. Miss Lackey was born in Kelso, TN, the daughter of Mattie and Robert Lackey. At 17 and having graduated from Kelso High School, she was hired by the Huntsville Library as part of a government program for young women.

After attending business school she was hired to work for Dr. James Whitaker. When Dr. Whitaker opened an 18-bed clinic across from Huntsville Hospital on Fifth Avenue (now Governors Drive) in 1948, he immediately turned Miss Lackey into its Administrator. The clinic became known as Fifth Avenue Hospital. Dr. Whitaker and his wife Ann became Miss Lackey’s best friends. Nell soon became the chief confidante to one of Huntsville’s early medical pioneers, Dr. Whitaker.

Later when Huntsville Hospital acquired Fifth Avenue, Miss Lackey went to work as a trusted assistant to one of the region’s top nursing home management executives, Bryson Hill Jr., at Southern Health Management. Bryson Hill called Miss Lackey (known to many as just Miss Nell), a lady who has given her life to others and an inspiration to all of us.

Miss Nell made untold hospital visits to friends and was involved in many helping hand projects. She served on the Salvation Army Advisory Board and on the Red Cross Board of Directors for many years. She was involved in countless other helping hand projects in the community and her church, Faith Presbyterian.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mattie Lackey, her brothers, Joe Lackey and Paul Lackey, and her sisters, Edith Lackey, Hilda Vessell and Ruth Meshell.

Miss Lackey is survived by her sister-in-law, Judy Lackey of New Caney, Texas; a host of nieces and nephews; and many devoted friends.

Visitation will be Saturday from 12:00 to 2:00 pm at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. A memorial service will immediately follow in the chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army, Red Cross, Faith Presbyterian or a charity of your choice.