Wilma Jean Lacy

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Wilma Jean Lacy on April 13, 2026, at the age of 86. Known lovingly as Jean to her family and friends, she was born on March 20, 1940, in Campton, Kentucky, to her parents, Violet Wireman Bailey and Courtney Bailey. Jean, her parents and brother, Wilson, later moved to Middletown, Ohio, where siblings, Nelson and Linda joined the family.

Middletown, Ohio was Jean’s cherished home for most of her life and it was there that she met and fell in love with Paul Lacy. The two shared 49 years of marriage before his passing, due to cancer in 2007. In 2019, Jean moved to Middletown, Delaware, to be cared for by her son, Jeffrey Paul and his family. Though she deeply missed her home, church, and extended family in Ohio, the time spent with her family in Delaware was truly meaningful. It is now an honor for her family to bring her home to rest.

Jean began her working life as a nurse’s aide at Middletown Hospital. While raising her family, she worked part-time at the Middletown Post Office and at Diamond State Tissue in the egg carton department. Later in life, she shared caregiving responsibilities with her sister, providing companionship and support to someone in need.

Above all, Jean was devoted to her family. She found joy in raising her sons, cheering them on at ballgames, and spending time at the beaches of Treasure Island. She was strong, independent, and full of life—never afraid to take on a new project, whether it was cooking, crafting, attending auctions and garage sales, or spontaneously redecorating a room in a single day.

Jean had a special gift for connecting with people. During her time in Delaware, her aides and therapists often looked forward to their visits, which frequently turned into long, shared conversation with some therapy added in!

Jean took immense pride in watching her grandchildren grow into young adults, celebrating their milestones and accomplishments. She shared a unique bond with each of them, and they knew just how to brighten her day—whether through special outings, thoughtful gifts, or simply spending time together. Jean’s daughter-in-law, Mary vividly remembers the day Jean arrived in Wilmington, Delaware to meet her first grandchild Zachary. With a smile on her face and a tear in her eye, Jean said “Thanks Mare.”

Jean was a natural caregiver, always ready to lend a helping hand and reluctant to accept care for herself. She lived her life guided by compassion and forgiveness, never holding onto resentment. Her passing was peaceful, and her family finds comfort in knowing she is reunited with those she loved and missed so dearly.

Jean once asked her youngest son how he will remember her when she was gone and he said, “In the kitchen, by the stove, cooking for family.” That image perfectly captures Jean—a loving woman, who was always ready to prepare a meal, especially her beloved soup beans and cornbread, whether you were hungry or not.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Violet and Courtney Bailey; her husband, Paul Lacy; and her youngest son, Courtney Lacy. She also mourned many dear family members over the years, keeping their memories alive through the stories she so vividly shared.

She is survived by her son, Jeffrey and daughter-in-law, Mary; grandson, Zachary and his love Krysten; granddaughters, Mallory and Elise; sister, Linda Wells and brother-in-law, Gary; brother, Wilson Bailey and sister-in-law, Blanche; brother, Nelson Bailey and sister-in-law, Susan; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Her bond with her sister, Linda was especially close, filled with laughter, mischief, and love. They were sometimes referred to as Thelma and Louise. She also shared a special relationship with her aunt and dear friend, JoAnn Spencer, who now takes over the role as matriarch of the family. Although Jean officially had three grandchildren, she had a special bond with many including daughter-in-law, Mary’s nephews, Christian and Andrew, referring to them as “her boys.”

Jean remained connected to loved ones in Ohio and Kentucky through phone calls and social media for as long as she was able. She found joy in hearing family news and celebrating milestones, including recent engagements of great nieces Maura Jean Chambers and Sydney Mullins. In her later years, she enjoyed watching Dr. Phil, Naked and Afraid, and YouTube videos about farming and refurbishing. She especially cherished Tuesday and Friday evenings spent watching Gold Rush and Oak Island with her son Jeffrey, eating popcorn and sneaking Pepsi’s.

A service to honor Wilma Jean Bailey Lacy will be held on Saturday June 6th at 10 am at the chapel at Woodside Cemetery and Arboretum in Middletown, Ohio. Interment will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you perform a random act of kindness in Jean’s memory. Whether it is holding a door, paying for someone’s meal, or offering a simple smile. These small gestures can make a meaningful difference and spread a little light, just as Jean did throughout her life.