Surviving are her daughter Karen Lakey Hammett; son-in-law Keith Benson Hammett; granddaughter Hillary Hammett Hutchison; grandson-in-law Robert Ryan Hutchison; and great-granddaughter Olivia Ryan Hutchison.
Mary Frances grew up in the Hoskins community of Charlotte. She graduated from Thomasboro High School and never was absent from school throughout her entire school career. After high school, Mary Frances took business courses at Kings College and Queens College in Charlotte.
On June 21, 1947, Mary Frances married Leroy S. Lakey, who predeceased her in 2007. They were married for 59 years. Their first home was in the Oakdale community, and they later built their home in the Coulwood neighborhood of Charlotte.
Mary Frances was a hard worker and a valued employee. Her first jobs included working at Kress’s Department Store and the Zoric Laundry. In 1943, Mary Frances was hired by Duke Power Company, and in 1984, after 41 years of service, she retired with the title of Supervisor of Administrative Functions. She loved working for Duke Power Company and made many lasting friendships during her tenure there.
Mary Frances was a member of McGee Presbyterian Church, which later merged to become Pleasant Grove Presbyterian Church. Throughout her life, she was a very active member in her church. She served as a Deacon and was honored with the Women of the Church Honorary Life Membership in 1985.
Active in the community, Mary Frances Lakey was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, a veterans’ service organization, for over sixty years. She was President of Unit 353 locally and served in many capacities on the state and national levels of this organization.
Mary Frances Lakey was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was a very gentle and humble woman who always put God first in her life. Her strength of ninety-two years comes from her faith and her love of her Lord.
A service to celebrate the life of Mary Frances Lakey will be 2 PM on Sunday, July 31 at Pleasant Grove Presbyterian Church located at 6701 Pleasant Grove Road, Charlotte, NC 28216. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn West Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Forest Lawn West Cemetery from 5-7 PM on Saturday, July 30.
Memorials may be made to Pleasant Grove Presbyterian Church or the charity of your choice.
Offer condolences through forestlawnwest.com
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