Lauren Locke

Lauren Adelbert Locke, age 90, passed away Monday, February 13, 2017. He was born in Tishomingo County, Mississippi, to the late Virgie Cresap Locke and Elmer Locke on June 10, 1926. Lauren was married to Frances Neill on August 11, 1945 and they enjoyed 70 years minus 10 days together. He was so thankful for his wonderful wife. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances on August 1, 2015 and their only child, Judy, an invalid, who passed away on August 2, 2012, at age 63. In addition to his wife and daughter, he was preceded in death by one sister, Betty Ruth Locke Hosey of Savannah, Tennessee and one brother, Wilmer "Curly" Locke of Tishomingo County, Mississippi. He is survived by two sisters, Marie Lynch of Tishomingo County, Mississippi and Lucy Welch of Bartlett, Tennessee, and several nieces and nephews.

Lauren attended Union University, Jackson State, and graduated from Bethel College in 1969 with a BS degree. He taught school in Hardin County for 26 years. He was ordained to the gospel ministry on November 21, 1952, at Turkey Creek Baptist Church. He served as pastor for 41 years at various churches including: Pyburn Union, Good Hope, Hopewell, Sharon, New Harmony, Olive Hill, Upper Green River, and Mt. Ararat in Tennessee and New Salem and Yellow Creek Baptist Church, formerly North Crossroads in Tishomingo County, Mississippi. For another 15 years he served as supply and interim pastor at churches in the nearby area. He also served as treasurer for Shiloh Baptist Association, previously McNairy Association and as Clerk in Henderson County.

In lieu of flowers, memorials should be sent to Southside Baptist Church, 615 Florence Road, Savannah, TN 38372, for the Missions Offering or to the Gideons.