Elizabeth Lacks
June 24, 2024
Tupelo- Fairy Elizabeth Loyd Lacks was reunited by death with her late husband, Ralph Lacks on Monday, June 24, 2024, their 64th wedding anniversary. Elizabeth was born in Blountsville, Alabama; she was the daughter of Ernie and Irene McAnally Loyd. Elizabeth graduated from Oneonta High School in 1955. On June 24, 1960, she married James “Ralph” Lacks. Her greatest joy was raising her three children and watching her family grow. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, finding immense pride in their achievements and lives. Her family gave her the gracious nickname of the “Queen” to signify her importance to them and her legacy.
During her professional career, she was an accomplished Saleswoman at Sears for over 20 years. She retired in 1994, with many achievements but one she was especially proud of, was being one of the first selected women to transition from a traditional women’s department to their hardware section.
Elizabeth had a generous spirit with not only financial contributions but also her time. A good deal of her philanthropic efforts went towards St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and Women’s Missionary Association. Since her and her family moved to Tupelo in December of 1971, Elizabeth has been a faithful member of South Green Baptist Church. She took great pride and effort collecting and encouraging others to collect “B” bucks for the church Gideon mission.
Elizabeth was an avid reader and enjoyed shopping. She could be quite adventurous, with her travels and explorations. She especially enjoyed the Tennessee Mountains and touring antebellum homes, and often brought back souvenirs that could not be purchased.
Elizabeth will be remembered for her kind heart, generous spirit, and unwavering dedication to those she loved. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and family unity that will continue to inspire those who knew her.
Elizabeth leaves behind her three children, Sandi Sparks of Frederick, Maryland, Suzy Guntharp of Oxford, and Steve Lacks and his wife, Breca, of Mooreville; five grandchildren, Lindsay Lacks, Gabe Lacks, Noah Guntharp and his wife, Hannah, Grace Guntharp, Seth Guntharp and his wife, Sicily; three great-grandchildren, Luca Smith, Robin Lacks, and Shiloh Jo Guntharp.
She was preceded in death by her husband on May 28, 2024, Ralph Lacks; her parents, Ernie and Irene Loyd; siblings, Bud Loyd, Jim Loyd, and Ann Battles.
Visitation will be 2 p.m. until service times Friday, June 28, 2024, at Pegues, Tupelo.
A service honoring her life will be 4 p.m. Friday, June 28, 2024, at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues with Bro. Guyton Hinds officiating.
Graveside services will be 12 p.m. Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Oak Hill Cemetery, Oneonta, Alabama with Right Rev. Dr. Don Jones officiating.
Memorials may be made to Sanctuary Hospice House, PO Box 2177, Tupelo, MS 38803, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101.
Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at PeguesFuneralHome.com.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
