Tara Michelle Lackey
April 2, 1980 ~ February 18, 2001
Resided in:
Candler, NC
Miss Lackey was born in Sylva and lived in Candler since she was ten. She was a cheerleader in the Buncombe County Recreation Department basketball league and was a 1998 graduate of Enka High School where she was active in the vocal music program and was a member of DECA. She was a junior Marketing Major at Western Carolina University and worked part time at WalMart in Sylva.
Her family include her mother, Katie Kalarovich and her husband Bill of Candler; her father, Michael Lackey and his wife Judy of Sylva; her sister, Jenna Lackey of Sylva; two brothers, Adam Kalarovich of the home and Aaron Kalarovich of Raleigh; her paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. T.G. Lackey Jr. of Cherryville, and her maternal grandmother, Sue Hall of Canton.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am Thursday at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church on Haywood Road in West Asheville with the Rev. Fr. John M. Pagel officiating. Burial will be at Longs United Methodist Church Cemetery in Canton.
Her family will receive friends from 6 - 8 pm Wednesday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue and request that memorials be made to the Jackson County Rescue Squad, Sylva, NC 28779, or to Catholic Social Services Adoption Service, 50 Orange Street, Asheville, NC 28801.
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We are very sorry to hear of your loss, but know that she is in a better place now. Our prayers are for her, you and your family now.
Tara was a wonderful friend. One that always cared about how others felt and was always there to give a hug. She will be missed greatly. My prayers are with Bill and Katie and the rest of the family and especially with her. I love you Tara!
My thoughts, prayers, sympathy, and love are with you.
Cynthia and I are really going to miss Tara’s smiling face and hearing her voice each day. You have our deepest sympathy. We loved her dearly. Thanks for allowing us to be part of her extended family.
keeping you in our thoughts and prayers
Eddie & Maxine Stillwell
Beth Stillwell
Nathan Franklin (school friend)
Dear Katie, Bill, Adam and Aaron,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I read over all of the e-mails that were sent in talking about Tara and all of the things people said about her were true. She was always friendly with everyone and always had a smile on her face. I haven’t spoken with Tara since our first year of college, but there was a time when she was one of my close friends and it breaks my heart to hear of this tragic loss. I remember going to the beach with Tara when we were in the 9th grade. I will always remember her for the sweet and caring girl that she was. Even though her life was cut short, just know that she is, and always will be, in a better place. Just look forward to the day when you will meet up with her again. I am so sorry for your loss.
Nicole
Thinking of you all in this time of sorrow.
Through this difficult time, may you know that prayers and lots of love are sent your way.
My thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with you and your family during this hard time. she was a nice person with a big heart.
Katie, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this painful time. I am so sorry. May the Lord be with you and give you strength. I think of you often and remember you fondly. God bless you and your family.
Tara will be greatly missed. I have alot of really wonderful memories with her that I will always cherish. My prayers are with all of the family.
I worked with Tara at Wal-Mart in Sylva. She was always so full of life and laughter. She will be greatly missed. But we must remember she is in a better place. God Bless her family during this tragic time.
Katie and Family,
I remember when we went to Gatlinburg in the Fall of 1998. We had such a good time with Tara, Kristin, and Anita. Tara was such a spirited young lady and I always looked forward to seeing her.
She was a sweetheart and will be greatly missed by all of us.
My love and prayers are with all of you.
In His Love,
Trudy Jaynes
I remember the day Janice Beck and I went to visit with Katie and Tara on Kitchen’s Branch.She stayed the sweet smiling girl we met that day.Your friends in Sylva are remembering you folks in our prayers.Ginger and Jerry
We are thinking of you during this extremely sad time of your lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I loved Tara so much, and am so very, very sorry for your loss. I know she was saved and is at home with our Lord. God Bless you all,
Diana Milner
We are so very sorry to hear of the heart breaking loss of your precious daughter. Our prayers are with you all.
The Jenkins Family
Hilda, Swan, Mary, Bill and Judy
we extend deepest sympathies to you. we remember bringing tara from the hospital when she was born. please let us know if there is anything we can do.
I’m keeping you guys in my prayers…I wish I was able to make it home. I always had such a great time with Tara, walking around the mall, looking for guys, just eating…I’m really going to miss her.
Tara was so sweet and such a wonderful friend. I met her at the gym working out, and we would then talk over the im thing and the phone about all the guys. We would watch temptation island on Wed. nights and would just laugh.. She was such a special person and with in the time I knew her we became really good friends and I am going to miss her a ton…. My prayers are with the whole family in this rough time..
Tara was a wonderful person and a great friend. I’m going to miss our conversations about boys, WCU, and life. She will be deeply missed by all of her friends and family.
I LOVE YOU!!!
Tara was my best girlfriend and she stood by me through thick and thin. She was a wonderful person and an undiscibable friend. I will never foget her and her way of making me smile when I was down. She and I had dinner at Colima’s and went to Wal-mart the night that she passed away. I will always cherish the time that I spent with her. She will be missed by many. I send my deepest sympathies to her family and friends we have all suffered a great loss.
I am truly saddened by this loss of such a wonderful person. I am Aaron’s roomate in Raleigh. I remember coming home one day from work in August. I opened the door and Tara was sitting on my living room floor talking to a friend back home. She was sitting on the floor because the phone could only reach so far. I just chuckled and gave her the cordless phone. I really liked her sense of humor because she wasn’t afraid to poke fun at her brother, Aaron, when she was visiting. Aaron loves her so much and always has said so many wonderful things about her. I am really going to miss Tara and her wonderful smile and the telephone conversations that we had when Aaron wasn’t there to take her call. She was a bright shining star that will stay with all of us forever in our hearts and in our memories.
Katie, I realize there are no words of comfort. Maybe it will help in some small way to know that others are thinking of you and sending love and prayers your way.
Tara was a wonderful bright shining star the short time I knew her. Always with something good to say, something funny or witty. Tara was always smiling every time I saw her. My deepest sympathy to her family. She will be dearly missed by so many.
I DID NOT KNOW HER BUT I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.MAY GOD GIVE COMFORT TO YOUR FAMILEY.
I was shocked and deeply saddened when I heard about the accident that took Tara’s life. I saw her just a few days prior at Wal-Mart just working away… Later that day we laughed when we bumped into each other again at INGLES. We stood by the front door and talked for what must have been close to 1/2 an hour. My memories of Tara will always include that wonderfdul smile, all the soccer games at EHS, singing together in chorus, and above all… her love for her brothers. Never once did I see her that she didn’t give me a loving update on both of them,and how they were doing. She loved all of you guys (her family)soooo much! Tara was a beautiful lady; what a loss to both communities!
My thoughts prayers and condolences are with you during this time. May the lord give you strength.
Dear Katie,
I can’t find the words to tell you how sorry I am for your tragic loss.My heart goes out to you, Mike and your entire family.All I can say is I am sorry.In my hearts mind I still see Tara as a little girl but seeing her picture she was a beautiful young woman .Take care of yourself and may God help you through this very hard time.
Love,
Kimlyn
Katie and Bill,
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember when Tara
would come in to Staff Health and Wellness and
just sit down and talk to me. I always thought she
was so full of life.
Please know that you are in my thoughts and my
prayers. Katie all I can tell you is that God must
have needed her. No one will ever be able to
take the memories you have of her,the empty feeling
must be overwhelming, but somehow God will give
you strength to get through this difficult time.
God Bless You and your family
YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYS AND ALWAYS WILL BE
We were so sorry to hear about Tara. She was a beautiful girl and so special. I’m sure that she will be missed by all who knew and loved her. I have very fond memories of keeping her for you when she was just a baby. It alvays amazed me that she remembered me whenever I saw her and was so friendly. If there is ever anything that we can do for you please let us know. Just know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you. Cathie and Whit
the students and friends from western carolina university are praying for you and keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers.
My heartfelt prayers go to your family, especially to Aaron and Adam. It was a privilege to be Tara’s counselor at Enka High. I am truly sorrowed by her sudden passing.
Our deepest sympathy and prayers for Mike and the rest of the family.
I AM THINKING ABOUT YALL. WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU
I AM THINKING ABOUT YALL. WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU
Tara will always be with us as
long as we have her in our mem
ory. We now all have one more
angel looking out for us.
Love and hugs to you all.
Tara it is very hard to realize that you are gone. I was just talking to you that night. You were one of my best friends. You will be missed. I only wish I could have gotten to tell you how things worked out with me & Bobby. I will always remember you girl. Now you are back with God. May God take care of you.
Love You Like A Sister,
Candace D Hensley
PO Box 613
Webster, NC 28788
Dear Katie and Bill,
We are sorry to hear about your loss. We saw Tara in church many times, what a beautiful young lady. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
James and Bernie Pack
Bless you and may God give you strength in your hour of need. John & Kathryn
Dearest Katie,
I am so sorry for your loss. I too have been there.
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Brenda Oliver
We are so sorry for your loss. Just wanted to let you know
that we are thinking about you.
I want to send all of my prayers and thoughts to Tara’s family. It just seems so unreal that she’s gone, but I know she is in a better place and God will take care of her now. May God also be with the family in their time of loss.
I just wanted to give my deepest regards to you for your loss.
I knew Tara from Enka HIgh School, because we were in the Enka
High School Chorus together and I knew her well.
She will be deeply missed and she was deeply loved.
I will be praying and thinking of you all during your time
of mourning. I am so sorry for your tragic loss.
Sincerly,
Angela Owens Derden
Katie, Mike, and families,
Your are, and will continue to
be in our hearts and prayers.
Most sincerely,
George, Madge, Matt, Jeff, & Luke
MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS HAVE BEEN WITH YOU. I REMEMBER SEEING YOU AT ST JOSEPHS HOSP.
ABOUT A YEAR AGO AND WE TALKED ABOUT OUR GIRLS. I AM SO SORRY.
about our girls. I am so sorry.
John,Daniel,Kevin and I want
you to know we are thinking
about you all.The boys and I
enjoyed Tara so much at all the youth group functions.
God bless;Betsy O’Connell
I AM SOO HAPPY WE GOT TO KNOW EACH OTHER AT THE FAMILY REUNION. YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL BE IN MY HEART AND PRAYERS!
My deepest sympathy goes to each one of you in the family. Especially to you Adam. It’s been a good while since we’ve seen each other but I still think of you with fondest memories. I remember back in our days at EHS any time you saw Tara she had a smile on her face and she was always bragging about how many goals her brother scored in his soccer game or how he did something so funny at home. She thought the world of you and was very proud to call you and Aaron her family.To me Tara’s greatest quality was that beautiful smile that she shared so freely to all who came in contact with her.I know in my heart only God could give that smile! It was a true blessing and I count it all joy to have crossed paths with her in our journey on this earth. I find great comfort in knowing that I will see that sweet face again in heaven. May God give each of you a peace that passes all understanding in the days to come. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Dear Family,
My heart was saddened to hear of your loss. I had the priviledge to work with Tara at Walmart. I was one of her supervisors and I was proud of her that she was going to college and working at the same time. I remember her for her times when I would walk past her as she was waiting on the customers and she would wrinkle up her nose at me and stick out her tongue. Tara was full of life and liked having fun. I will miss her. Each time I walk past the register I keep hoping she will be there. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God be with you and bless you as your hearts continue to heal. As you remember Tara and the memories she left with you, I too, will remember her for her love for life. May God’s angels guide you and bring you peace in the days to come.
To the Family of Tara Lackey,
I regret deeply the devastating loss you are suffering at the death of your beautiful Tara. I, too, have suffered the tragic and untimely death of one so very dear to me, my husband who died in August, 1997. But I am sure that pales in the face of your losing a child. I cannot imagine a more agonizing loss!
Although I never met Tara, I do recall Jenna talking often, fondly and with a little sister’s pride of her wonderful big sister.
I would have preferred to express my sentiments to you in person but, due to an extended bout with a respiratory infection, I am still feeling run down and unable to drive to Asheville at this time.
Katie,
I recall having met you a few years ago through the Walk to Emmaus or through a dear mutual friend, John Boggs–or maybe both! Please know that you and your family will be lifted up in prayer daily. It won’t lessen your pain but it will help sustain you.
Mike,
I haven’t seen you in quite some time but I will always be grateful to you for entrusting me with your precious little Jenna throughout her preschool an kindergarten years. My gratitude also for sending Miss Renee my way. Please know that my prayers go out for you also.
Dear Sweet Jenna,
My heart breaks for you at the loss of your sister. I wish I had words that could take the hurt away….I was so honored when you went out of your way to come over and speak to me at the movie theater a couple of months ago! I would love to wrap my arms around you to offer you a measure of comfort and reassurance. Please feel free to call me anytime if you would like to talk or get together for a while.
Again, I offer my most heartfelt sympathy to you all at this very difficult time.
Most sincerely,
Aileen Tye (Miss Aileen)
To Katie and Bill, My heart goes out to you in your time of sorrow. We don’t always understand why things happen, but God has a reason. We have to put our faith in Him in times like these.
I am so sorry about the lost of your daughter.She was a good friend of mine.I will keep your whole family in my prays.
I was extremely shocked by the news of Tara’s death. I didn’t know her and had never even met her. I was a friend of Aaron’s for a time and learned of Tara’s death through an online network of friends. I wanted to extend my warmest sympathies to the family and offer my prayers of peace and condolence to you all. Aaron, I am so sorry about your loss. I want you to know that while your loss is unique and very personal, I think I can begin to understand your pain. I also lost a sibling in a tragic accident… If you ever want to ‘talk’ you know where to find me. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
There were just too many people there to come in after the events of the weekend. We wanted you all to know we were thinking about you. Jim will call.
Katie
I remember the day Tara arrived and how happy you and Mile were.I am so sorry but just know that God will be there to comfort you and the rest of the family. You all are in my thoughts and prayers
Sharon
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Wanda
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our ‘Hearts’ go out to each of you………but especially to Katie (Tara’sMother) and our friend Mike (Tara’sFather)! There are no words that we can express to ease your ‘heart breaking’ pain. But I have ask God many times since learning of Tara’s accident, that he in some way ease your pain, ease the void, to delete the guestion ‘why’ (that everyone at some point in time have asked), etc.
I have stood by my Father and Mother and watched them lose two children (sons)and the only thing I have seen in both deaths that pulled my Mother and Father out of the valley’s that you both have ahead of you to walk through was……..their ‘Trust’ and ‘Faith’ in God! Over the years that I watched and listened to my Mother and Father express their Belief and Faith…… was put to test in 1974 and 1988.
Again, our prayers and thoughts are with each of you at this time, and for the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Billy and Sharron Crain
Sylva, North Carolina
Dear Friends,
You are each in my prayers as you journey through this very difficult time. May God grant you His unfathomable strength and the peace which passes our human understanding as together, you comfort one another. My hearts aches for your loss, and my prayers will be continuing.
Yours In Christ,
Barbara Vaughan
Uncle Billy, Katie, Aaron & Adam,
May your angel who brightened this earth with her smile and joy, soar high and light up heaven with her presence. May God bless you, comfort you and give you Strength.
All our love, Donna, Vince, James and Anthony
I was shocked and heart broken when I heard. Tara was my best friend in the world back in fourth grade at Canton Elementary. I remember going to her house for her birthday slumber party that year. I still saw her often here at Western and spoke often. I am so sorry for your loss. She was always smiling and I am sure she is smiling down on all her family now. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
Dear Mike
Yoy are in our thoughts and prayers.
God bless
Guy
Sorry to hear about your loss of a beautiful & Talented young lady. I will always remember Tara’s smile that could change your mood in an instant. You all are in my thoughts & my prayers.
God Bless
I met Tara working the ballgames at Enka, as well as Adam. Tara was a precious young lady with such a love for life. I can still hear her talking about Clay Walker. She thought he was just the greatest back then. I pray that the Lord will give you all strength and will give you the understanding that each of you need. God Bless you all. She will be greatly missed. My love to the entire family.
Dear Katie, Bill, Aaron, Adam,
We are so sorry to hear of Tara’s death. Parents should not have to bury their precious children. Doug and I have had broken hearts just thinking of what a difficult time you must be going through. Katie, if there is anything we can do for you, please let us know. Your family will be in our prayers. Your Tara was a precious young lady, and was loved and will be remembered by many. May God wrap you in his loving care.
We love you. Doug and Robin
Cant believe the news I heard today about a dear friend. She will always be in our hearts and memories as a respectable, funloving and honest person. I remember her picking me up for class everyday even when I only had a 5 minute walk. Afterwards we would go buy a D’Giorno’s pizza and go to Whats the Scoop (the ice cream shop downtown Sylva where she worked) and then run to her house and cook. Talking about guys, school and the latest CD was all that was on our minds. Oh the memories that we all will hold dear in our hearts Tara. I will miss you!!!
Tara was beautiful as the attached picture shows. When I last saw her, she was a little girl but grew into a beautiful young woman. I know she will be missed by all of her loved ones and I want to offer them my deepest sympathies.
I heard of the tragic loss of Tara too late to express my sympathy and concern in a timely fashion. I am very sorry.
Kati, my deepest sympathy and thoughts are with you. The love you had for Tara radiated from you. Keep the memories strong to sustain you.
Mike, it has been many years since I have seen you. You will remember me as Wanda Manring. Please know I send my regards and deepest sympathy.
Sincerely, Wanda Cox
We will always remember Tara with her loving, outgoing and caring personality. She was wonderful with children, and boy, did they love her back. She was a daughter to be proud of. She will be missed deeply by all that new her.
Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family now and always.
The Holder Family
Tara will be missed by all. Our prayers and thoughts are with her and her family.