Jo Beth Lackey

Jo Beth Lackey, daughter to Cleora McMeans and Walter Sutherland, was born on October 7, 1943, in Austin, Texas. She was the youngest of three siblings. Her father was best known for his role as a Southern Baptist preacher; her mother served as the church’s pianist.

In 1962, Jo Beth married Ron Lackey and together they welcomed three children in whom she invested most of her time and attention.

Following Ron’s time in military service, Jo Beth made their home in Beaumont, Texas, where she became an active and caring member of her community. She volunteered her time with the Cub Scouts, YMCA, and Lions International, as well as being heavily involved in her church. Later in life, she turned her passion for travel into a career, working as a travel agent to help many people create meaningful memories all over the world. She loved to cruise and worked as a cruise specialist for the rest of her life.

Jo Beth also worked for several years at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, where she achieved a lifelong goal by earning her bachelor’s degree at the age of 66. She found a spiritual home in her local Baptist church, where her faith remained a guiding light throughout her life.

Jo Beth will be remembered for her warmth, her love of family, her adventurous spirit, and her unwavering faith. Her legacy will live on through her three children and their families; David Lackey (and wife Pamela Greenberg), Dean Lackey (and wife Mary), and Denise Trowbridge (and husband Keith), eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a large network of friends-all of whom carry forward her spirit and love for life.

A graveside service will be held for her on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 11 AM in Stockdale, TX. She will be laid to rest alongside her parents and extended family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lakeview Baptist Church, Delray Beach, FL. www.lakeviewchurchdelray.com