Dr. Luvonia Casperson

Luvonia was born to James Otho Johnson and Bertie Mae Smith on July 28, 1931 in Megargel, AL. She graduated from Elba High School in May of 1949. On August 17, 1950 she married Clarence Ralph Casperson in Mobile, AL and to this marriage three children were born.

After she married, she lived in Mobile, AL and later on a farm in Fairhope, AL where, among other ventures, she had a successful business breeding Toy Fox Terriers, a reminder of her lifelong love for animals. In 1967 the family moved to Norman, OK where she completed her degree work and became an instructor of economics at Oklahoma City University and a research associate and teaching associate at the University of Oklahoma.

In 1975 she moved to Shreveport, LA and became a faculty member of Louisiana State University at Shreveport as a professor of economics. There she served as Chairman of the Department of Economics and director of the Center for Business Research, received numerous awards and accolades, and did postdoctoral work as a Fulbright-Hays Scholar in Indonesia.

She was known and respected for her work in breaking down barriers for women in the field of economics and was a mentor to many colleagues and students. She was also honored to serve as President of the Southwestern Economics Association as well as President of the National Association of Forensic Economics

After retirement she moved to the Gulf Coast where she hoped to walk on the beaches of her childhood every day. She continued to work in academia as a world-travelling professor through OU’s Extended Campus program. She also received her real estate license and became a real estate agent.

Education was one of her highest values and proudest achievements; she was the first college graduate in her family line. She was proud to note that each of her eight grandchildren is a college graduate.

She will be remembered as a mother who loved her children and fiercely loved her grandchildren, who fondly called her Bubbie.

Luvonia is survived by her son John Casperson, wife Wendy; son Eric Casperson, wife Lana; daughter Erin Milligan, husband Aaron. Grandchildren, Liza King, husband AJ; Shawn Milligan, wife Brandi; Erica Casperson Jenkins, husband James; Beth Casperson Ferrara, husband Dave; Clinton Casperson, wife Paige; Katherine Casperson; Zac Milligan; Claire Milligan. Great-grandchildren Henry, Charles, and BetsyKate Jenkins; William Casperson; Paxton and Cruz Milligan; Arthur Slagter; Emma and Wyatt Casperson. Her sister Linda Rodgers, husband Jimmy. Her special cousin Melbaleen Lewis Yager, fondly known to her as “Meanie.” Five nieces and four nephews are surviving. She is also lovingly remembered by her dear friend, Dr. Alex Kondonassis.

Luvonia was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, James Flois Johnson and Kenneth Johnson, and their wives.

Her family extends a special thanks to her extended family at Bella Luna Property Management.

Pallbearers: Shawn Milligan, Clint Casperson, Zac Milligan, Claire Milligan, Katie Casperson, Jim Johnson, James Jenkins

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2020 from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. at Pine Crest Funeral Home on Dauphin Island Parkway in Mobile, Alabama, with a chapel service immediately following. Interment will be in Pine Crest Cemetery.