Lesta Inez Dempsey Rial Luckett

Lesta Inez Dempsey Rial Luckett of Winter Park, Florida passed away gently in her sleep on December 3, 2011. She is survived by two sons, Robert Lloyd (Bob) of Rockport, Texas and Paul Edward Luckett of Winter Park, FL; two daughters-in-law, Karen and Judy; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Her parents, a brother, a sister, her first husband, eldest son, second husband, and a granddaughter preceded her in death. Loving family members called her Inez, Mom, Ebenezer, Grandma, Gram, and GiGi (for great-grandmother). She was born July 29, 1914 in Eldorado, Illinois; graduated from Eldorado Township High School; and married John Luckett of Equality, Illinois in 1932. She gave birth to J. B. in 1933 during the Great Depression; J. B. gave his life for his country in the Korean War on October 3, 1951. Robert was born in 1934 and Paul in 1940. The family moved to Chicago in 1941 when John took a position with Bethlehem Steel. John and Inez retired and moved to Florida in 1973, where John passed away in March 1975. Inez married R. W. Rial in 1982 in Houston, Texas. When R. W. died in 1992, Inez lived alone, but near Bob and Karen, in both Houston and Rockport, Texas. She was still driving in 2007 at the age of 93 when she moved, under strong protest about giving up her independence, to Paul and Judy’s home in Winter Park, Florida. She was a member of Saint Margaret-Mary Catholic Church in Winter Park. No matter where she lived, her heart was always in her hometown of Eldorado, Illinois, where she will finally return to rest with her beloved John and son J. B. Ninety-seven years old, she remained in excellent health and free of prescription drugs until September, 2011, when she came under the wonderful professional care of VITAS Innovative (at-home) Hospice Care. The family cannot thank the caring professional staff enough; they were a godsend. Inez found joy in reading, listening to music, and dancing. At the age of 95, she danced joyfully and energetically at her granddaughter’s wedding. She was a gentle but willful spirit who had the ability to make anyone she met feel welcome and special. She possessed a quick wit and an infectious laugh that would brighten up a room; it was a laugh she would always say was the reason she stayed so healthy and vibrant. Her family would plan surprises for her, hoping that she would delight them yet again with one of those long and wonderful, table-thunking, knee-slapping laughs. Inez had an impeccable ability to remember all the special occasions/celebrations of family and friends and always managed to send greetings. Grandchildren fondly remember her soft hands and gentle touch. Many family members recall her love of roller coasters and her fast, laughing runs, grandchildren holding her hands, back to the roller coaster entrance for “just one more ride.” Although she would say she disliked cooking, everyone always enjoyed her meals and holiday candies. Her sons and daughters-in-law have so many fond memories of Mom and the trips they took with her to Mexico, San Antonio, Las Vegas, Chicago, Baton Rouge, Vicksburg, Asheville, Wister, and Flint. She was independent, disciplined, thoughtful, fun-loving, wise, compassionate, a good friend, and loved by all who knew her. Inez, always humble, never fully realized the significant impact she had on her family and friends. It is difficult to imagine life without Inez, but it is not difficult for her family to smile when they think that she is finally with her true love. God bless you and keep you, Mom. Arrangements are entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory 9001 N. Orlando Avenue, Maitland, Florida 32751, 407-695-CARE (2273).

Lesta Inez Dempsey Rial Luckett

July 29, 1914 - December 3, 2011