Lurley Sue Royalty, age 86, peacefully passed away on January 22, 2026, in Nicholasville, Kentucky. She was born on March 4, 1939, in Irvine, Kentucky, to Henry and Kate Brandenburg, and she is now reunited with many loved ones who preceded her in death, including her first husband, Donald E. Moore, and her second husband, John M. Royalty. Lurley was a devoted mother and a cherished family member.  

She is survived by her two daughters, Donna Collins of Nicholasville, KY, and Kathy Fletcher, as well as her son, Grady (Tonya) Moore of Palm Bay, FL. Her legacy also continues through her stepdaughter, Ann Royalty of Nicholasville, KY, and stepsons John (Jennifer) Royalty and Robert Royalty, both of Lexington, KY. She was a proud grandmother to eight grandchildren: Robert (Angel) Fletcher, Shane (Billie Mullins) Fletcher, Jake (April) Fletcher, Olivia (Matt Gabbard) Collins, Clay (Katie) Collins, Jordan Royalty, Jarrod Royalty, and Emily Peel, a doting great-grandmother to six great-grandchildren: Mason, Thomas, Kaitlyn, Elliott, Finley, and Gia and her sisters: Linda (Bill) Stephens, Carole (Eldon) Cobb and brother, Jack Brandenburg.  Lurley also leaves behind her beloved pet, Cody, who brought her much joy throughout her life.  

A nurturing individual, Lurley earned her LPN Nursing Degree and worked earlier in her career at Eastern State Hospital. Alongside her husband Donald, she proudly owned two restaurants in Berea, KY—Peoples Restaurant and Colonel D. Restaurant—and late in her career, she became a caregiver to many, embodying her passion for taking care of others. A member of Bethel Christian Church in Nicholasville, Lurley was a vibrant presence within her community. She was outgoing, loving, and dedicated to her family. Her warmth and kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.  

Family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 11 AM to 1 PM at Clark Legacy Center - Brannon Crossing, followed by a service at 1 PM. Pallbearers will include her loving grandsons, Robert Vincent Fletcher, Mason Fletcher, Thomas Fletcher, Clay Collins, Jake Fletcher, and Shane Fletcher with honorary pallbearers consisting of Becky Goldey, Richard Collins, Carolyn and Rod Aguire, Jeff and Cary Niklaus and Tommy Cobb.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jessamine County Humane Society, honoring Lurley’s love for animals. Lurley Sue Royalty will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of many.