Melvin Lacy

Words simply fail to convey the depth of our love and the weight of our loss as we invite you to recapture the wonderful memory of our beloved relative and friend, Mr. Melvin Lacy. 

Born on February 8, 1954, to Mary Lacy, Melvin grew up in the Norfolk, Virginia area, where he attended public school at Lott Carey Elementary School and Jacox Junior High School. 

For many years, he worked as a janitorial technician at Norfolk General Hospital, now known as Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. He later retired due to failing health. Melvin, affectionately known as “Buddy,” was a cheerful, fun-loving, and easy-going fellow who loved people. He was always the life of the party or any family gathering. His sense of humor was infectious and unmatched by anyone, for he loved to laugh and to make other people laugh with him. His luminous smile lit up the room. Melvin just loved people, especially his family. In particular, he developed a very close bond and special love for his cousin, Mrs. Jean Richardson, who preceded him in death. She, in many ways, became a mother figure for him, allowing him to stay with her and her husband, Bennie, until he got on his feet. Then, she helped him with every area of his life: she assisted him with becoming financially independent by managing his own money, obtaining an apartment, health care, and purchasing life insurance. One of the most important things that Jean helped Melvin to do was to garner an appreciation and respect for God. As a result, Melvin, realizing that he needed God in his life, often attended the Bibleway Evangelistic Temple Church of God in Christ, where he worshipped and occasionally helped out with the Sunday School Department.

Because Buddy was a special person who touched the lives of others in positive ways, he will never be forgotten.  He leaves to cherish his wonderful members, two cousins, Robert Cook McCray and Dawronetia Clemmons, both of Norfolk, Virginia; he was predeceased by his niece, Mary E. Cuffee. He also leaves several nieces and nephews: Cynthia Cuffee Matthews, Robin Cuffee Knight, Robert Cuffee, Melvin Cuffee, Jossette Horne, Robin Bless, Angelo Lacy (Rhonda Lacy); and 21 great nieces and nephews, along with many great, great nieces and nephews, all of Norfolk, Virginia; and a host of other relatives and friends.