Shirley Temple Lacey

Shirley Temple Lacey, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away from kidney failure, on July 7, 2024, at the age of 88 at her home in Layton, Utah. Born in Shelby, North Carolina on June 29, 1936 to the late Rev. Eddie and Arie Young Wray. Shirley touched the lives of many with her warmth, kindness, unconditional love, Southern discipline and the “Best” home cooked meals.

 During high school Shirley was a star player on her team and led them to the Cleveland County basketball championship title. She graduated in 1957 from Douglas high school in Lawndale North Carolina. After high school Shirley had many jobs to include working in the health care field at Spruce Manor Nursing Home in Springfield, Massachusetts. Skills Shirley would use for the remainder of her life. While in Springfield she met and married her husband Freddie B. Lacey on March 31, 1959, who was stationed at Westover AFB in Springfield, MA. They would spend her remaining 65 years together in matrimony, including over 26 years while Freddie served in the United States Air Force.

 As the wife of a military service member Shirley traveled to Zarragozza AFB, Spain, Cannon AFB, New Mexico, McChord AFB, Washington and finally Hill AFB, Utah. Shortly after relocating to Utah Shirley acquired employment at the Hill AFB childcare center and worked her way up to Assistant Director. This is where many friendship were fostered and bonding’s were created with countless children. Families felt reassured and at ease when Mrs. Lacey was taking care of their children.

 Family meant EVERYTHING to Shirley. She was devoted to her husband Freddie B. Lacey, whom together they raised three sons: Freddie Lacey Jr. (Stacie), Wilner Lacey (Stacey) and Darryl Lacey. One son Lindsey Lacey died as an infant while living abroad in Spain. Shirley treated all children as if they were her own and this included the love and support, she extended to her countless nieces, nephews and her friends. She also has 8 grandchildren; Marcus Lacey (Alesha), Jenelle Green, Miguel Lacey (Laticia), Jordan Lacey, Domenick Lacey, Mateo Lacey, Houston Lacey and DJ Lacey; 12 great-grandchildren Love Lacey, Nautus Moore, Evyian Lacey, Tyrin Jones, Tayvin Lacey, Hayla Jones, Ivelisse Lacey, Marcus Lacey Jr., Isaiah Lacey, Kamayah Lacey, Kairo Lacey, Daysha Lacey and 1 great-great granddaughter Yareli Torres.

 Shirley was an instrumental member in the formulation of True Vine Baptist Church in Kaysville, Utah. An active participant to the end. Shirley led and participated in many positions such as TVBC Choir member, TVBC Secretary, TVBC Chairperson for Hospitality, TVBC User President and many others. Shirley loved to travel to local churches near and far throughout the United States. 

 Shirley especially loved to travel to visit friends and family with her grandchildren and vacation with her sons, daughter-in-law’s and friends. She also enjoyed cooking, shopping and talking on the telephone to her entire family especially her sister Bernice, nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. She will be remembered and prayed to for infinite gatherings and occasions. Her last words were “Love each other” to and for her family. 

 In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Curtis Wray, Edgar Wray, Thomas Wray, Ambrous Wray, Thelma Wray-Antoine, Nathaniel Wray and Briddie Wray-Webber. She is survived by her sister Lydia Bernice Wray-Hector of Lawndale, North Carolina. 

  The family expresses their deepest gratitude to Pastor France A. Davis, the True Vine family and countless friends. And lastly to the McKay-Dee Hospital staff and her Inspiration Hospice team (Dr. Justin Mansfield, Paige Gomm and Brooklyn (Hospice Managers), CNA’s Karlee, Kayla and Angela, and Social Worker Kasey Davis for their professionalism

 Funeral services will be held Monday July 29, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd., Layton, Utah. Family and friends may visit Sunday July 28 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. and Monday from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary prior to the service.

 The funeral service will be live-streamed and may be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of Shirley’s obituary page at www.lindquistmortuary.com

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