LaJuanda Jean Taylor Lacy was proudly welcomed into the world on August 4, 1945, in Rural, Ben Wheeler, Texas, by her now deceased parents Hosie Lee Taylor and Gladys Ford. Early on in her life her mother married Tate Menefee who became a loving Stepfather to LaJuanda. She felt truly blessed to have two Fathers.

LaJuanda received both her primary and secondary education in Tyler, Texas. She graduated from Emmett J. Scott High School with honors in 1963. LaJuanda was a student with many talents. She played first chair clarinet in the Emmett J. Scott State Championship Band. Because of their excellence, the Band was featured in Ebony Magazine in 1962 with a focus on LaJuanda playing a solo from the song that won them the State Championship. LaJuanda loved all aspects of the performing arts. While in high school she performed in a singing group and as a member of the Thespian Club and had a lead role in one of their plays. LaJuanda attended Howard University in Washington, D.C. where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science in 1967 and a Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1970. She passed the Texas Bar Exam on December 14, 1970, and became a practicing attorney. She continued her love for singing while at Howard, and performed in a singing group that was honored to have the late & renowned Donny Hathaway who was also a student at Howard write a song for them.

LaJuanda worked for Legal Aid in Dallas, Texas for several years before setting up her private practice as the first Black female practicing attorney in Tyler, Texas and the first female to defend cases in the Smith County Court system. In addition to her private practice as a Criminal Attorney, she also worked as a Contract Public Defender for Smith County. As a Defense Attorney in Smith County, LaJuanda had an opportunity to participate in several high profile cases that received national media coverage. One such case was the Deanna Laney murders, where Deanna Laney stoned to death her 6 & 8 year old sons. As Co- counsel, LaJuanda and the two other Defense Attorneys were able to secure a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. LaJuanda served Tyler, Texas/Smith County for a total of 53 years as a practicing attorney. LaJuanda was also a Professor at Jarvis Christian University where she taught Criminal Justice for several years.

LaJuanda joined the True Vine Baptist Church family at an early age. As a faithful Christian Servant she taught Sunday School and served as Sunday School Superintendent; served as an Usher; served on the Constitution and Bylaws Committee; and continued the use of her melodic voice by performing in the Westbrook Singers Choir. She also served as a Legal Advisor for Oakwood Vines Community Development Corporation under the auspices of True Vine Baptist Church. In 2006 in her role as Legal Advisor she played a key role in securing Tyler Historical Landmark status for the Moses P. Timms Educational Building and the Parsonage across the street. LaJuanda was truly a Servant Leader who focused on the needs of others. She often provided free legal service not only to family and friends but to anyone who needed her services. LaJuanda was a former Advisory Board Member of the Tyler Civic Theatre Center. In 2000 she was honored by Women in Tyler as one of the Women Pioneers in Tyler. Several years ago, she was honored by North Star Baptist during Black History month as the first Black female attorney in Tyler and the first woman to defend cases in the Smith County Court system.

With a peaceful transition into the arms of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior, LaJuanda is preceded in death by her Mother Gladys Ford Menefee, her Father Hossie Lee Taylor, her Stepfather, Tate Menefee, sister Roselyn Menefee, and Stepson, Kim Browning.

LaJuanda leaves to cherish her memory a son, Isaac E. Lacy II; brother, Alvin Ray Menefee; niece, Tamika Menefee Bryant; nephew; grandsons, KaDarrion Lacy, Isaac Lacy, III, Iven Lacy; granddaughters, Alexis Seales, Diamond Baulkmon; great-grandchildren, Nylah Lacy, Khalen Lacy, Kace Lacy, and Alijah Henderson; and a host of loving cousins and extended family. Special Friends: Claudia & Patrick Chavis, Beverly & Willie Brooks, Minnie Graham, Paulette Blair, Carol Blair Adams, Yvonne Butler, Jean Blair, Louise & Cortez Bradley, James Weldon Johnson, Judge Quincy Beavers, Jr., Dr. Carl Westbrook, Larry & Pam Erwin, Hazel Robinson, Gail Woods Hands, & Billie Smith Lee.