Daisy Luckey Aukerman

A graveside service for Daisy will be held Sunday, September 10, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mt Vernon Hwy NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.

“Music is a gift for life!” If you were a musical youngster growing up in Druid Hills, you most likely heard this advice from your vivacious piano teacher, Ms. Daisy Luckey Aukerman. Chicly attired in tones of gold and taupe, Ms. Daisy shared stories of the teachers, pupils and family that have formed the song of her life. Much of that melody has been played in Georgia, and especially here in Druid Hills.

“I was born in Harlem, Georgia, and I loved it!” That small town closeness and warmth was important when Daisy’s mother was suddenly widowed with four small children. Even though times were difficult, she made certain Daisy Shepherd and her siblings took piano lessons from Mrs. Jule Hatcher. That began a lifelong love of music. “Once I heard how a tune could be played, I never fussed about practice. I put practice at the top of my list.” Local, regional, and then state contests were swept by the talented siblings.

Daisy was in demand as a church accompanist and performer. “I remember one of my earlier performances –when I was 15, I played the ‘Moonlight Sonata’ on WSB radio. I was nervous, but you are always a little nervous when performing!” Her mastery of Debussy, Beethoven, and other classics caught the ear of university faculty. A scholarship to University of Georgia? Brenau College? LaGrange College? Daisy chose LaGrange, deciding to study with Mrs. Rosa Muller of the Leipzig Conservatory. “I earned extra by accompanying singers who would perform between one act plays!” Busy with studies, she was elected class president.

After college, the Druid Hills stanza of Daisy’s life began. Charmed by a picture of Daisy in her May Court dress, Milton Luckey, a young attorney, wooed and married her. They moved to Oakdale Road and welcomed a son and daughter into their home.

Daisy began teaching music throughout Dekalb County schools. The song came together. The school program flourished, and private lessons were offered. “I had so many talented pupils that I can’t name them all! Penny Naylor, Patricia Vanderslice, Julie Swanson, Danielle Palms, Patricia Myers, Ted McMullan…” Miss Daisy glowed, displaying newspaper clippings, recital programs and photographs of her students. “I didn’t just sit them down and say ‘play,’ but coached them along the way. I could tell fairly soon if students had natural talent by the way their fingers would curve the keys. Even if they didn’t have a natural gift- if they just hit the keys- I would encourage them to do their best.”

Daisy did more than encourage her Druid Hills students in music; she focused on developing self-confidence to carry them through adulthood. “We had recitals at the Atlanta Women’s Club, a very lovely place. The students knew to dress up, no blue jeans there. I knew they would be proud of themselves. Music is such a great self-esteem booster.”

After her husband passed unexpectedly, Daisy moved to midtown. That began her 34-year position as organist at the First United Methodist Church: “I played two Sunday services, weddings, funerals, and Wednesday evening services.” “When I married Mr. Aukerman, I knew we wanted to live in Druid Hills. It’s unique, a historic place with people who love the arts and education.”

Back on Oakdale Road, Daisy once again opened her studio to local pupils. Her students learned to play duets for two pianos, giving holiday recitals in her home. “Lessons started in fall, and we had a holiday recital. I always decorated the living room in all white. It made it so special.” All the pride and affection Daisy had for her students was returned. In 2011 Ted McMullan coordinated a “Daisy Luckey Aukerman National Appreciation Event”, with former students arriving from all parts of the country to share their appreciation. Ted also announced the Daisy Shepherd Luckey Excellence in Music Scholarship in honor of her 50 years of teaching music.

Her love of music has many variations: accompanist for The Atlanta Boys Choir at their New York debut, Georgia Music Teacher 50-Year Service Award, Atlanta Music Club, Pro-Mozart Society, American Guild of Organists, Steinway Society, Mu Phi Epsilon, National Guild of Piano Teachers, three- time-president of the Atlanta Women’s Club, and recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award at LaGrange College.

Surrounded by pictures of family, young students, and concerts, Daisy sat with the grace of a model at her signed Steinway and played a Rachmaninoff Prelude.

For a woman who began life in a small town surrounded by warmth, she has built a life gracefully, note by note, building a song of affection and music in this community.

by Elizabeth Warner