Lavena E. Hill, 89, of Decatur passed away on Thursday May 27, 2010 at her residence.
Funeral service will be 1:00 PM Tuesday June 1, 2010 at Dawson & Wikoff West Wood St. Funeral Home with Rev. Dan Spruell officiating. Visitation will be Monday May 31, 2010 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family via email at www.dawson-wikoff.com
Lavena was born on October 24, 1920 in Fancher, IL the daughter of William H. and Mary F. King Justice. She married George H. Hill on January 25, 1941 and they shared sixty-eight years of marriage before George preceded her on September 11, 2009. She was a long time member of the former Lakeview Baptist Church, a founding member of Progress School and Hopes Unlimited, and she coached the Hopes bowling team for the Special Olympics. Lavena was a resident of Decatur for 88 years and for 20 years Lavena, George and daughter Carol loved spending their winters in Florida. For over 40 years Lavena and her friends would gather monthly to play Bunco.
Lavena is survived by her children: George Hill Jr. and wife Donna of Richland, TX., Cheryl Sachan and husband Dileep of Knoxville, TN., Carol Hill of Decatur, Joyce McEldowney and husband Bob of Glen Carbon, IL and Karen Coats and husband Larry of Lincoln, IL.; grandchildren: Tammy Hill, LaDawn Lawson and husband Robert, Thad Hill and wife Susan, Rashmi Sachan, Ravi Sachan and wife Beth, Vinay Sachan, Julie Bradford, Stacy McEldowney and Sean McEldowney and wife Melissa; great grandchildren: Elizabeth Hill, Austin Hill and Jasmine Hill
Lavena was the youngest of twelve children and was preceded in death by four brothers, seven sisters, her parents and her husband George.
The family would like to thank DMH Hospice for all their care and support. Lavena will be missed by all who knew her and loved her, she was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother and her family was very important to her.
Diaporama
Les Condoléances dèrnières
| Tammy Hill |
The Day I Came Home |
June 1, 2010 |
Grandma,
I will never forget the story about the day that I came home from the hospital. Mom has told me so many times with joy in her voice about the drive home.
She told me that you were so busy looking at your first grandchild, that you ran a red light. To this day, I hold special memories of us together. The cinnamon candies and the trips to the grocery store...where both of us dressed up in our best.
The summers on Walnut street where I tried to fry an egg on the sidewalk and scare the cats out of the tree next door.
The baby doll with the locket around it's neck. The picture of me as an infant inside it. To the high chair that the doll now sits in with pride and love.
Thank you for a lifetime of memories that I will hold in my heart forever,
Tammy
| Tammy Hill |
I love you grandma |
June 1, 2010 |
Grandma,
You were the perfect grandma and nobody could have ever asked for a better one. I'm so sorry that I could not be there for you at the end.
I feel better though...knowing how much you loved me and that you knew how much I loved you. I miss you so much, but through the tears...I know that you are in a better place with Grandpa and that God is watching over you.
| Evelyn Sharp |
I Loved You |
June 1, 2010 |
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for being such a wonderful mother-in-law. I came into your life one cold day in December, 1963. You and George treated me like one of your own children. Your love and kindness has never been forgotten. I share tears with my children and Elizabeth with your passing. However, I am comforted by the fact that you are with your Heavenly Father and George now. Cheryl, George, Joyce, Karen, Carol and grandchildren, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am sorry for your loss.
| La Dawn Lawson |
I love you Grandma |
June 1, 2010 |
I am so thankful for the memories that I have being there with her in her final days. Holding her hand and talking to her will always be treasured. Aunt Cheryl thank you for opening up your home to me and Elizabeth while we were up there. I love you and am so sorry for your loss. Even though I can't be there for the funeral. I am praying for you.
| Elizabeth Hill |
I miss her... |
June 1, 2010 |
I am devestated by what the string of events has become... Even though I have lost her she still remains in my memories and to know that I could help pick out what she was going to wear in her final resting place... That means alot too. Being able to see her before was hard but it was closure at least I know she is dancing with her husband in heaven.
Elizabeth
