Margaret Carolyn Key

Margaret Carolyn Key, 70, of Waco, passed away at home on Sunday, November 6, 2022.

Carolyn was born October 30, 1952 in Waco to Wanda Jewell and Carl Lacy Johnson. She graduated from Richfield High School and Texas Tech University; later, she obtained a graduate degree from Tarleton State University. She married Kenneth William Key on December 22, 1973, and during their marriage of thirteen years, they had one daughter, Kristal Lacy.

Carolyn enjoyed a 37-year career in special education. She began as a teacher in Lubbock ISD upon graduation and spent the remainder of her career in Waco ISD. She retired from her role as Director of Special Education in 2011. Her greatest joy was watching children with special needs succeed, a passion she passed along to her daughter. Upon retirement, she continued working with children as a volunteer, most recently as a reading mentor at a local elementary school.

Her parents fostered her love of music from childhood; she minored in music in college, shared her voice in the church choir, and taught her granddaughter to play the piano. She especially enjoyed celebrating the Christmas season through music. She was a dedicated member of Austin Avenue United Methodist Church and First Methodist Church of Waco.

Carolyn was a loving daughter and living next door to her widowed mother allowed her to be a part of her everyday life. Having good conversation over the preparation and sharing of a meal was the highlight of most evenings. She was the best mother to her daughter and son-in-law and a beloved Mama C to her granddaughter, and she extended that love to their family and friends. Her dedication to family was endless, and she felt so blessed to have gained a son with Justin and to be made Mama C to Claire. She loved time with her granddaughter, supporting Claire and her cousins at school and sporting events, making dinner and hosting celebrations for her family, and taking care of her sweet dog and grand-dog.

She is survived by her children, Kristal Lacy and Justin Lowry of Waco; granddaughter, Claire Lacy Lowry of Waco; brother, Michael Lacy Johnson and wife, Sarah of The Woodlands; aunt, Janice Claire Walker of San Antonio; nephews, Blane Randall Taylor Stevenson of Vietnam, Phillip Lacy Johnson of San Antonio, and Spencer Lacy Johnson of Austin and their families; and many precious extended family members and dear friends.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 15, at Oakwood Cemetery with Rev. Tom Pearson officiating. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Monday, November 14, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Arc of McLennan County, 4901 Lakewood Drive, Waco, 76710.