Judith Lacey

A Celebration of Life service for Judith Lacey, Lawrence will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 10, 2012 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.  She died March 6, 2012 at Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, MO.

Judith was born on February 7, 1943 in Portland, TN the daughter of Charles and Lucille (Adcock) Cook.  She was raised by John and Lucille Burke.  

She was a gifted education teacher and summer school principal in the Lawrence school district.  She continued her career as a gifted teacher at Oxford Middle School in the Blue Valley school district. She was a founding member of the Kansas Association for Gifted, Talented and Creative (KGTC). 

Survivors include her mother, Lucille Burke, Mooresville, IN; one daughter, Jessica Lacey Brown, and husband, Frank Brown, Kansas City, MO; two grandchildren, Lauren Brown and Alexander Brown; one brother, John Burke, Ventura Beach, CA; and three sisters, Lynda Burke, Kathy Moffat, both of Mooresville, IN, and Barbara Cherry, Pembroke, KY.  She was preceded in death by father, Charles Cook and daddy John Burke; two brothers, Gerald Burke, and Kevin Burke; and one sister, Paula Conner.
 
The celebration of her life will be continued at 5p.m. in the Crystal Ballroom at the Eldridge Hotel on Massachusetts Street in Lawrence, KS.

She was loved dearly by her daughter, son in law and grandchildren, who called her Nana. And she will be deeply missed.

Flowers can be sent to Warren-McElwain.

23 Condolences

  1. Roma Earles on March 7, 2012 at 10:26 am

    My thoughts are with Jessica and all of the women that had a blast with Judith over the years.



  2. Lynda Burke on March 7, 2012 at 11:26 am

    Judy my loving and much loved sister. Missing you and very grateful for our time together. Words cannot express my feelings and the depth of my love for you. You are an amazing woman and I am blessed to have you in my life and so happy you are my sister, my beautiful sister. So until we meet again I will hold you in my heart.



  3. Rob Davis on March 7, 2012 at 1:43 pm

    I first met Judith when she taught my first gifted education class for Emporia State University. She was by far my best professor while seeking this degree! She then became a good friend and we often would meet after school or on weekends with friends once she began working in the Blue Valley School District. She was one of the brightest, most compassionate individuals I have met. I will always think of her fondly and consider her a great friend. She will be missed by me and so many others. I am just sorry that I have plans to travel out of town for spring break and will not be able to attend the celebration service. A toast to a wonderful woman!



  4. Lynn Sbarra on March 7, 2012 at 2:31 pm

    A poem for Judith…My friend and co-worker.
    Judith, Judith
    She is so special.
    The glue that binds us together. Fun is her nature. She is so good to us. Kind and caring. Always lifting us up. Funny to the bone. Smartest of us all. Quick witted always. Judith is organized. She will help you anytime. Thank God for her in our lives. Sweet, wonderful Judith.



  5. Lee Ann Brookes on March 7, 2012 at 2:39 pm

    Judth was an inspirational
    woman who conducted herself with dignity and contributed greatly. I am honored to have known her.



  6. Sue Buckner on March 7, 2012 at 3:04 pm

    Judith was a true lady, and I always admired her leadership and kindness to others, regardless of the circumstances. Her gentle spirit inspired me and brightened many a day as well.

    Sincerely,

    Sue B.



  7. Ken Weaver on March 7, 2012 at 3:13 pm

    My deepest condolences to Judith’s family. Judith taught gifted education courses at Emporia State University at a time when the department was between program directors (I was department chair at the time). Her passion for teaching and love of learning inspired ESU students.



  8. Kathy Jones on March 7, 2012 at 5:35 pm

    I had the pleasure to know Judith through our mutual work with gifted education. She was a great leader and mentor. I know she loved her family very much. She had grace and wisdom among many other positive qualities. He impact was great and positive.



  9. Amy Wempe Douglass on March 8, 2012 at 12:19 am

    Jessica and Lynda-
    I am saddened to see that Judy lost her brave battle. I have thought of you all often since last we met. My thoughts and prayers to you all.
    Jess-, my kids did an art project on my note with your info, so if you can 785-331-7138 texts are good or email wempern@yahoo.com.

    Love Amy



  10. Sharon Walker on March 8, 2012 at 8:20 am

    My deepest condolences over the loss of Judith. May her zest for life remind us to be thankful for each precious day. May our Heavenly Father comfort you and bring you peace. Jeremiah 29:11,12; John 11:21-26



  11. Shirley Ball on March 8, 2012 at 1:27 pm

    Judith – what a wonderful woman! Her legacy is her amazing daughter, two beautiful grandchildren, the countless children whose lives touched, and the many people who are fortunate enough to have called her “friend.” I will her greatly!



  12. Shirley Ball on March 8, 2012 at 1:43 pm

    Judith – what a wonderful woman! Her legacy is her amazing daughter, two beautiful grandchildren, the countless children whose lives she has touched, and the many people who are fortunate enough to have called her “friend.” I will miss her greatly!



  13. Phyllis Lewin on March 8, 2012 at 3:30 pm

    Jessica and family,
    Our thoughts are with you and yours.
    I enjoyed having your mom as a colleague, and our daughters appreciated having her as a teacher and friend.
    I know your mom was so proud of you. You and your family meant everything to her.
    May you find peace and strength in the days ahead.
    With our sincere sympathies,
    Phyllis Lewin and family



  14. Karen Dunlap on March 8, 2012 at 5:16 pm

    Thank you so much for your call today, Jessica. Your mother will always be in my heart. She was a true lady, an educator that cared about children. She loved her daughter and grandchildren and I know you wil miss her. But in those moments, remember she is in your heart.



  15. Becky Pultz on March 8, 2012 at 7:44 pm

    I met Judith when I was a teenager and remember being in awe of her poise and gracious manner. She was a role model for me and much loved forever. My heart goes out to you, Jessica.



  16. Ashley Baloga on March 9, 2012 at 8:01 am

    I grew up with Judy and Jessica as part of our family and I feel blessed to have known both of these beautiful women. Judy was a kind and loving women and will be sorely missed by many. A few years ago Judy told me that having children is like walking around with your heart outside of your body. I know she felt that way about Jessica, and Jessica feels the same way about her children. What a wonderful legacy of family and love. May your family find peace, comfort, and solace in the beautiful memories and reflecting on her life well lived.



  17. Anika Jackson on March 9, 2012 at 10:54 am

    Jessica, my thoughts are with you and your beautiful family. Your mom was such a wonderful person and I will always remember her fondly. Sending love, Anika Jackson and family



  18. Julie S Riley on March 9, 2012 at 3:04 pm

    My deepest condolences to Judith’s family. I knew Judith when she taught gifted education courses at Emporia State University,between the interim of professors. I remember her kindness, incredible knowledge and assistance when I myself had health issues and was trying to complete courses for my degree in Gifted Education. I hold great respect, and feel privileged to have her guidance as an instructor. She was by far the best instructor of my career. God Bless her family, and feel loved by many who cared for your mother.



  19. Ray Childers on March 9, 2012 at 4:55 pm

    My prayers and condolence to the family of Judith Lacey.



  20. Chris Gannan on March 9, 2012 at 5:21 pm

    Thinking and praying for you and your family! Psalm 23 is always a comfort to me.



  21. Lester Adcock's family on March 10, 2012 at 12:24 pm

    We are in deep sorrow for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers and may God bring comfort only He can provide to each and every one of you.



  22. Virginia Hammes on May 10, 2012 at 10:32 am

    Please accept my condolences. I took two classes with Judith at KU and she was an excellent instructor. I also saw her at the MathCounts competitions. She was an inspiration to me as a gifted teacher. She will be missed.



  23. Mary Soby Dose on November 10, 2012 at 2:46 pm

    Mrs. Lacey was a high school English teacher of mine in the ’70’s in Lindsborg, KS. It may have been her first position. She was an amazing teacher and I loved English because of her. Often wondered throughout the years where she went. I became a teacher b/c of her although did the sciences. I was probably at SMNW when she was around the area. So sorry for your loss.



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