Obituary of Margaret Pruitt Lacy

Margaret Pruitt Lacy, 1934-2024

We celebrate and honor the life of Margaret (Bobbie) Vera Pruitt Lacy, who passed away on June 2, 2024, at the age of 90. Margaret was born March 11, 1934, in Athens, Texas to Maddie Goulsby Pruitt and Wesley Pruitt, the seventh of eight children. Margaret grew up in Tyler, Texas.

 Margaret was an extraordinary, smart, beautiful, talented, and intelligent African American women, who excelled in mathematics, computer science, chemistry, and education during the postwar era. In 1955, Margaret graduated Cum Laude from Texas College with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and minor in Chemistry. At Texas College, she met and later married fellow chemistry teacher, Bennie (Ben) Lacy, in 1955. Margaret and Ben pursued trailblazing, challenging, and rewarding careers, working in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Indiana, and Utah, while raising five children. Margaret worked as a mathematician for the U.S. Navy on the early UNIVAC computers for the David Taylor Model Basin.

Margaret was an outstanding educator. She taught elementary and secondary school for 36 years and earned a Master of Education Degree from the University of Utah. She taught at Dugway and Central Elementary Schools in the Tooele County School District for 21 years, winning several prestigious teaching awards (e.g., Teacher of the Year) and certificates of achievement. After returning to Texas, Margaret revived her passion for computers, working as a Teacher Technologist and Computer Specialist for the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) for 15 years. She took pride teaching and coaching her students to win top prizes at the annual DISD computer programing competitions. Many students named Mrs. Lacy (Margaret) as their best teacher and former students continue to describe her classes as memorable and impactful. Margaret’s school principals and colleagues praised her work, relied on her calm demeanor and reasonable judgement, and appreciated her kindness and support. She was an active member, affiliate, and leader of multiple national and regional teaching organizations.

 Margaret was an active parishioner and leader at Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church in Tooele, Utah. She served on the Altar Guild, Vestry, and as Senior Warden. She also participated in civic affairs and service campaigns for her sorority, Alpha Kapa Alpha, which she joined in college. Margaret also taught adult computer classes on the weekends.

 Margaret especially enjoyed sharing Sunday meals with her aunt Margaret, siblings, and cousins, hosting holiday dinners, and celebrating family reunions in Martin’s Mill. Margaret’s tearful laughter was infectious and joyful. After retiring, she enjoyed reading, completing word puzzles, and attending literary, dance, and musical performances.

 Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Bennie, son Bennie Anthony (Andy), granddaughter Taleesha, and six siblings: Pauline Lugo, Theo, Waymon, Louis, Houston, and Rose Pruitt. She is survived by her children Karen, Cheryl, Michael, Deirdra, grandchildren Paris and Tyrese, bother Ray Pruitt (Carol) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

            All are welcome to view, honor, and pay respect to Margaret during the viewing at the Black and Clark Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, June 17, 2024, between 1 pm and 7 pm. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 12:00 pm. She will be buried with her husband Bennie at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.