Ellen Reid Lackey Colter

Ellen Reid Lackey Colter, “Mimi”, passed away peacefully at her home with friends and family on February 22, 2019 in Nashville, TN, after a five-year battle with breast cancer; almost a month after celebrating her 70th birthday with her three children.

She was born on January 28th, 1949 in Nashville, TN to J.G. Lackey Jr and Mary Ellen Lackey. Ellen is survived by her brother, James Gilbert Lackey III (Karen) of Nashville, TN; her children, Mary Reid Tevis (Greg), Matthew Colter (Lindsey), Maggie Colter; and grandchildren, Pierce Tevis, Andrew Tevis, and Hayes Colter. She also leaves behind her beloved cat, Dewey.

Ellen attended Harpeth Hall School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Rhodes College and went on to earn her Master of Librarianship from Emory University.

As a Jane Austen fanatic Ellen had a passion for books that started as a young girl and continued throughout her entire life. She was always interested in discussing her latest book or “books” as she was known to read multiple at one time. It seemed only natural that the majority of her career was spent as a children’s librarian for the Nashville Public Library (24 years). She fostered deep relationships with her patrons and co-workers and was devoted to making her weekly story time a unique and fun experience in which the children were fully engaged.

All through her life she made it a priority to serve the community. Ellen was always active in events and activities at her children’s schools such as her roles as Girl Scout and Cub Scout Leaders. She was also active in the Junior League, the Delta Delta Delta Alumnae Group, the Florence Crittenton Services Junior Board, Family and Children’s Services (board member). Most recently she enjoyed being involved in the Horticultural Society of Middle Tennessee (board member), the Sew ‘N Sow Garden Club, the Vanderbilt Woman's Club and St. George’s Episcopal Church (Altar Guild, Aelfric’s Readers).

Above all else, Ellen loved spending time with her family and friends. She was extremely bright and absolutely the person you wanted on your team for a heated game of Trivial Pursuit. Despite working and being involved in numerous organizations, Ellen was a mother first. She was dedicated to her children and grandchildren and enjoyed close relationships with all of them. In addition to being a confidante to her children, she was also considered to be a devoted friend to many and would not hesitate staying up throughout the night to help solve the world’s problems. As anyone who visited her home would know she was an avid collector, from watermelon art to hedgehogs to all sorts of antiques, but what stood out most was her collection of children’s books and characters. Ellen was also a lover of animals, movies, the arts, travel and Mahjong. An elegant and gracious woman, she was always up for adventure and enjoyed individuals who appreciated her dry wit and had a wicked sense of humor. She encouraged her children to experience life to the fullest and have no regrets. Ellen proved to be resilient her whole life and was a valiant fighter through all adversity.

Memorial service will be held at 11:30AM on Saturday March 2, 2019 at St. George’s Episcopal Church, preceded by a visitation at the Church beginning at 10AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nashville Public Library at nplf.org or to St. George’s Episcopal Church at 4715 Harding Road, Nashville, TN.