Rose Lackey

Bertram High School Graduation-May 1956

Golda Rosalyn Lackey passed away on Thursday December 3, 2020 at the age of 83 years old.

Golda Rosalyn Williams (Rosalyn) was born to Murray W. and Geneva Alta (Brizendine) Williams on September 24, 1937 at 12:05 o’clock Friday morning, at home on the Williams’ homestead, Bertram, Texas. Rosalyn’s nurses at birth were Grandmother Williams, Aunt Gladys and Aunt Thelma. Golda Rosalyn was named after her aunt Golda Brizendine. Rosalyn’s first steps were taken between Geneva and Eldon, her brother, at one year of age. Not surprising to anyone, Rosalyn’s first word was NO and her tendency to be too loud in church started at a young age, when she cried for some of the communion loaf being served. Rosalyn’s second haircut was at 4 years of age. According to her mother Geneva, documented in her baby book, Rosalyn looked into the mirror at her haircut and said she looked like “a horse’s ass”.

Rosalyn was a strong student while attending Bertram area schools (Grammar-8yrs, High School-4 yrs), excelling in many areas: Student Council, Annual Staff Business Manager (3 years), School Newspaper Editor, Basketball Letterwoman (3 years), Basketball Captain, Volleyball Letterwoman (4 years), District First Place in Typing and Volleyball, English and Commercial Who’s Who, Pep Squad Drummer, Salutatorian and being awarded a college scholarship.

Rosalyn met the love of her life, Walter Lee Lackey, early. As a child, Rosalyn complained about having to share her Bertram birthday party on each September 24th with Walt, who was born on the same day, a year earlier. Evidently, by high school, Rosalyn had a change of heart about Walt. The couple began dating in 1950, started going steady on March 21, 1953 and became engaged while Rosalyn was a high school senior, on April 16, 1955. The couple ultimately married on Murray’s birthday December 27, 1955. By that time, Walt was already serving as an Airman, Third Class, with the U.S. Air Force stationed at Lackland Air Force Base; the newlywed couple settled into their first home at 326 Madison, Apartment 4, San Antonio.

Rosalyn decided against college, but instead welcomed the role as a stay at home mom (until 1976), birthing four high energy, Type A, very individual children: Randy 1957, Princess 1959, Terri 1961 and Walt Jr. 1966. Rosalyn and Walt lived the longest in Austin, Beaumont and Pasadena, Texas, while raising their children, supported by careers with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company (SWBT). Rosalyn retired from SWBT in 1991 as a Supervisor.

Upon the passing of Rosalyn’s much-loved parents in 1993, Rosalyn and Walt moved to the Williams’ Ranch and there they built a homestead, living in close proximity to her sister Glynda (husband Robert) and her brother Eldon Williams. Both Walt and Rosalyn lived on the ranch until their deaths. Rosalyn attended Mahomet Christian Church (est. 1851), was a fabulous cook, a devoted spouse/parent/grandparent/great-grandparent, professional seamstress and Rose loved, loved her ranch. Everyone will miss Rosalyn’s strong, fiery personality and the fact she called the “shots” exactly as she saw them, no matter what anyone else thought. John Davenport, her Pastor, lovingly called Rosalyn “feisty and faithful”.

Rosalyn was a fierce pillar in her community. Rosalyn was a dedicated donor to the Bertram Library Thrift Shop, a Master Gardener/trainer and was very proud to have revived the Burnet County Fair in 2010. In nonpublic, private ways, Rosalyn often reached out to families in need, many of them immigrants, needing work, financial assistance, help with work permits/VISAS and being an advocate for their precious children in the school system. The family has enjoyed many years of connection with these hardworking families, who have been successful, in a large part, due to Rosalyn’s assistance.

The family would like to thank Neurologist Darshan Shah and his nurse Charee, R Bank, Cindy Pesina, Christa Noland, Dr. Burkhardt (including her office staff) and Seton/Compassus Hospice, specifically Tim Denton, Amy Clegg and Mo.

Rosalyn lived every single day of her life to the fullest and was loved. We are comforted knowing that Walt and Rosalyn will be reunited, and we look forward to seeing them again, in God’s timing.

Those wishing to celebrate Rosalyn’s life are invited to attend a Visitation at the Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 306 E Polk Street on Sunday, December 6, 2020 from 2pm until 4pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to either the 1) Burnet County Area Fair, P.O.Box 163, Bertram, Texas 78605; 2) Friends of the Bertram Library, 170 S Gabriel Street, Bertram, Texas 78605; 3) Highland Lakes Master Gardener Association, 607 N Vandeveer Street, Suite 100, Burnet, Texas 78611.