Charlotte Bailey Lacey

Charlotte Bailey Lacey, 94 years old, passed away on January 24, 2023 in Kansas City, Kansas. She was born on September 14, 1928 to James and Alma Bailey of Powderly. During her senior year in high school she met James Carl Lacey (J.C.) after his return from serving in the United States Marine Corp during World War II. They married on January 23, 1948 and for the next 62 years built a beautiful and loving life together. For most of their marriage they lived in Midfield, Alabama where they welcomed into the world and raised their five children, Carl, Nikki, Lora, Mark, and Kathy. Following J.C.’s death in 2010 Charlotte moved to Kansas City, Kansas to live with Lora and remained there until her passing.

Charlotte graduated from Jones Valley High School in 1947. She spent the first 20 years of her marriage as very busy mother of 5 children. In 1969, she began a career in public education starting as a librarian assistant at Midfield Elementary School. Over her 20-year career she worked at Midfield Elementary School and then became the Administrative Assistant to the superintendent of the Board of Education in Midfield and Homewood, Alabama.

Along with being a quintessential “Southern Belle” she was a devoted wife to J.C. and a wonderful and loving mother to her children. She loved watching her son’s play sports and attended every game possible as they evolved from little league, to high school baseball/football and college baseball. Charlotte was an amazing cook. Her nightly family meals evolved into large family and holidays gatherings. Later in life, Charlotte’s secret talent of being a gifted and creative writer became evident. The stories she wrote and shared were captivating and wonderfully entertaining. Her joys in life beyond her family included traveling, shopping for antiques and all things chocolate. Charlotte will forever be remembered as an extremely generous woman, with a witty sense of humor, that sacrificed throughout her life for the betterment of those she loved.

Charlotte is survived by three of her five children, Nikki (Sue), Lora (Duane), and Mark (Susan) along with 14 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, J.C., her son, Carl, her daughter, Kathy, grandson, John, great-grandson, Ian, parents, James and Alma Bailey, and brothers Alan and Robert Bailey.

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 31, 10:00-11:00 a.m. at John-Ridout’s Elmwood Chapel with a Celebration of Life Service in the chapel beginning at 11:00 a.m. The address is 800 Dennison Ave. SW, Birmingham.

Charlotte spent her last month as a resident in the Piper Memory Care Facility. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the Piper and Faith Hospice for the care and compassion they gave to her.

In lieu of flowers charitable gifts may be made to a domestic abuse shelter of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the Lacey family.