Wanda Napier Lacy

Wanda Napier Lacy passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, teacher, and mentor whose warmth, wit, and wisdom touched countless lives.

Wanda was born on March 30, 1949 and raised in Celina, Tennessee, where she met the love of her life, Raymond E. Lacy (Ray), who loved, supported, and cared for her. He was her best friend for 56 wonderful years of marriage.

She was Valedictorian of her 1967 Celina High School senior class, editor of the yearbook, a cheerleader and Homecoming Queen. Her teachers inspired her to learn and pursue teaching as a career, specifically, Mrs. Lecta Grace, Mrs. M.D. Cherry, Mrs. M.E. Cherry and Dr. Douglas Young, who were all incredibly dedicated.

For 40 years, Wanda taught math at Gresham Middle, W. Memphis High and Farragut High School, including AP Calculus, for almost 20 years. She served as Math Department Chair and mentor to numerous wonderful teachers. She was known for her intellect and dedication. She told her students, “It’s about the learning, not the grade”. In fact, over 98% of her AP Calculus students received college credit. One student wrote that she “brought her soul and tireless conviction to sharpen every student’s mind”.

She received a Bachelor of Science in Education degree with honors and a Master of Mathematics degree from the University of Tennessee. Her dedication to education earned her many honors, including Tennessee Teacher of the Year (2013–2014). She served on former Governor Bill Haslam’s Teacher Cabinet for many years and was recognized by the University of Tennessee College of Education for her lifelong contributions to teaching. Wanda was inducted into the University of Tennessee Educators Hall of Fame. She is member of AOII sorority and thoroughly enjoyed sisterhood, especially with her daughters.

Wanda devoted her life to lighting the path for others. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she inspired. She was considered by many as a true legend in mathematics education.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marie Neal Napier and William Earl Napier of Celina. She is survived by her devoted husband, Ray; her cherished daughters, Cindy Wagner (Crawford) of Knoxville and Allison Lederer (Reid) of Knoxville; her sweet and loving sister, Janet Richardson (Doug) of Mt. Juliet; and her four beloved grandchildren, Ford Wagner, Jack Wagner, Parks Lederer, and Devon Lederer, all of whom she was infinitely proud.

A Memorial Mass will be held Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville, Tennessee. Receiving of friends will be in the Cathedral Hall from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. She will be laid to rest at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Farragut High School Foundation – Math Department; the University of Tennessee Foundation, College of Education – Volsteach Program; or the UT Medical Pat Summitt Clinic.