Lalon Pirkey

Sunday, December 4, 2016, when Mrs. Lalon Neely Pirkey passed away at the age of 97, her children lost their best friend. Born Lalon Greer on April 10, 1919, she was predeceased by her parents, Virgil and Alverda Greer, her husband and the father of her children, Hester Lee Neely, a beloved daughter, Linda Dianne Steinhauser, a loving son-in-law, William O. Houghes, Jr., her much loved sister-in-law, Ethel Greer, and her dear brother-in-law, Dusty Bouknight. She is survived by her husband, James Pirkey, her children, Janice Houghes, Jerry Neely and his wife Mitzi, Donna Reeves and her husband Rickie, as well as her sister, Laverne Bouknight and brother, Murphy Greer. She leaves eight grandchildren, Eric Steinhauser; David Neely and his wife, Karla; Jason Reeves and his wife, Lori; Noelle Houghes; Jerry Wayne Neely and his wife Wendy; Damon Reeves and his wife Erin; Aaron Reeves; and Allyson Neely Machado and her husband Kyle. Three step-children, Barry, Brenda, and Barbara Ann, also survive her. She left twenty-two great grandchildren: Kacy, Keelan, Ethan, and Ellie Steinhauser; Charlotte, Jay, Josh, and Caroline Reeves; Cody and Shelby Neely; Jacob, Anna Claire, and Justin Reeves; Morgan, Layla, and Jackson Reeves; Kaleigh Smethers and Kaden Houghes; Brandon, Ashleigh, and Emileigh Neely; and Neely Rachel Machado. Her four great-great grandchildren are Kerrigan, Korgan, and Kaegan Owens, and Kinsleigh Conley. In addition, she left numerous nieces and nephews, and cousins, two of whom, Gloria Watkins and Becky Soileau, with whom she was especially close. Mrs. Pirkey served at Morningside Baptist Church where she taught ladies Sunday School until she was 80, living out her favorite Bible verse, 2 Timothy 2:15. She currently attended Kingston Road Baptist Church. ""Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of Truth."" (KJV) Professionally, she taught third grade at Sunset Acres and later became librarian there until she retired, inspiring her students to return even after many years to thank her for her loving and compassionate teaching. She belonged to Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, where she served as chapter president for four terms. What rocked her world, however, were her children and grandchildren. Her devotion to them was unstinting. A consummate seamstress, she would sit late into the night sewing dresses for her three girls, or even doll clothes (which she hated making). Three bookshelves full of cook books attested to her skill and interest in cooking for family and friends. Her greatest delights, however, lay in the antics and achievements of her grandchildren; she never tired of hearing and telling stories about them to anyone who would listen. Her family sends there great appreciation to Dr. Eric Smith and his staff for the care they gave her and to the loving, dedicated caretakers who went the extra mile always to give her their very best care: Patricia, Rosie, Kim, Stephanie, Cassandra, Crystal, Olivia, and Rosa. A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Forest Park Funeral Home, Services will be on Thursday, December 8, 2016 at 11:00 AM and interment will follow at Forest Park East Cemetery.