Mary E Lavette

She was predeceased by her husband, John Horace Lavette, her parents, John Durword Mullins and Elizabeth (Betty) Steele Murphy Mullins and her aunt Virginia Bardwell Murphy.

She is survived by her children, John Renfroe Lavette, Patrick Mullins Lavette (Teri), Ross Hall Lavette, Elizabeth Murphy Lavette (Robert Shorb), and Anne Lee Lavette (Philip Wood); her grandchildren, Laura Beth Lavette, John (Johnny) Bownes Lavette, Patrick Mullins Lavette, Jr (Lucy), Charles (Elliott) Lavette, Robert (Hank) Henry Shorb III, Charles (Charlie) Bardwell Shorb, Virginia (Murphy) Shorb, Willis Edward Wood, Mary (Ellie) Donnellan Wood, and Jacqueline (Jacq) Anne Wood; and great-grandchild John Parks Lavette.

Mary Beth (also known as Mary Libba) was born at the height of the Great Depression, on November 26, 1931 in Clanton, Alabama. She had what she recalled as an idyllic childhood living in Clanton and Aliceville, Alabama, where she lived briefly with her grandparents while her father served in World War II. She was voted “Most Popular” and graduated from Chilton County High School as Salutatorian in 1949, and she also reigned as Chilton County Peach Queen in 1951. After high school she attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, earning nearly enough credits to graduate in only two years. She then transferred to the University of Alabama, where she concentrated on having fun and completing her degree. She met her future husband John (Johnny) at Alabama and the two began the romance that would last until his death in 2009. She briefly taught school in Florala, Alabama, while John served in Korea. After John’s return, they married and moved to Tuscaloosa where John attended law school and they started their family.

Known to many as “Mama Lavette”, she welcomed all of her children’s friends into her home and made sure each felt special. An amazing homemaker and mother, she also spent many years running the offices of the family real estate business. She will be remembered for her quick wit, her outstanding intellect and her contagious giggle. A true salt of the earth woman without any pretense, this avid reader, bridge player and crossword puzzle whiz was the best and most loyal friend anyone could have - she was basically just one of the sweetest humans to ever walk on the earth. She delighted in her role as “Grandmommy” to her ten grandchildren and great-grandchild and especially reveled in hosting the yearly (or sometimes twice-yearly) family beach vacations. That tradition created an unbreakable bond between the ten cousins, one which continues to grow despite their being dispersed across the country. She shared the beauty, skill and competitiveness of games with her children and grandchildren, and enjoyment of games continues to be an integral part of every family gathering. She was a true matriarch in every sense and while she will be greatly missed, we know her kind and generous spirit will continue to live within those whose lives she touched and she will never be forgotten by those lucky enough to have known her.

The family plans a private service but will host a gathering for friends and family to celebrate Mary Beth’s life on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the home of Pat and Teri Lavette, from 3 pm to 5 pm. In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Mary Beth’s mother, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The family wishes to recognize and to thank the amazing team of caregivers who assisted her in her last years, and especially Bertha Johnson, who was by her side and a best friend for over twenty years.