Delores Shaw Lacy

With heavy hearts and deep love, we announce the passing of Delores Shaw Lacy, who peacefully transitioned on April 19, 2026, at the age of 77. Delores was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and woman of unwavering faith who touched the lives of many through her kindness, strength, and love for family.

Delores was born on July 10, 1948, at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Luvenia Shaw. She was raised in Napoleonville, Louisiana, and after the early loss of her mother, she was lovingly cared for by her grandmother, Eliska Williams Shaw. That foundation of love and resilience helped shape the strong and nurturing woman so many knew and cherished.

She attended W.H. Reed High School, where she met her lifelong partner, Nelson Lacy. What began as a friendship in middle school grew into a lasting love, and the two were united in marriage in October 1981. Together, they built a life centered on love, faith, and family.

As a young woman, Delores moved to New Orleans, where she completed cashier training before going on to work in a nursing home, caring for others with compassion and dedication. In 1990, she made Las Vegas, Nevada her home, where she worked as a housekeeper at the Golden Nugget. Through years of hard work and commitment, she retired after 20 years.

Known affectionately as “DD,” Delores was the heart of her family. She had a caring and selfless spirit and was known for always putting others before herself. She was an incredible cook—her red beans and rice will forever be remembered—and she found joy in feeding and gathering her loved ones. She loved deeply, welcomed everyone with open arms, and had a way of making people feel at home.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. As a devoted Christian and deaconess, Delores remained active in True Love Missionary Baptist Church in both New Orleans and Las Vegas. She loved her church family and stayed committed to her faith in God throughout her life.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, Nelson Lacy; her daughters, Dionne Jones, Kreisha Lacy-Smyczynski, and Latricia Lacy-Juste; her grandchildren, James Bryant, Diontae Jones, and Daviona Jones; and her great-granddaughter, True Jones. She is also survived by her siblings, Joseph Howard, Loretta Seales, Venita Adesanya, and Loretta Watson.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Luvenia Royal; her grandmother, Eliska Williams Shaw; and her sibling, Sam Wilson.

Delores leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to live on through her family. Her greatest joy in life was being a wife, mother, and grandmother, and she poured her heart into each of those roles. The love she gave so freely will remain with all who knew her.

A viewing and Celebration of Life service will be held on May 8, 2026, at True Love Missionary Baptist Church. Viewing will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with funeral services immediately following from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A repast will follow in the church dining hall.

Delores will then return home to Napoleonville, Louisiana, where a final Celebration of Life will be held with extended family and friends. She will be laid to rest at St. John Baptist Church and Cemetery, where she will rest among her ancestors.

“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

—Proverbs 31:31 (NIV)