Lavaun Marley

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Selma Lavaun Marley (Lavaun), who went home peacefully on December 8, 2025, in Shreveport, Louisiana, surrounded by her beloved daughters. Over 93 remarkable years, she touched countless lives with her Christian kindness, selflessness, and unwavering faith.

Born on October 12, 1932, in Superior, Wisconsin, Lavaun was the daughter of the late Sven Edwin Sutherlund and Selma Elvira Sofia “Sally” Johnson. As the eldest of four children—Gerry, Ronnie, and Robert—she played an invaluable role in the Sutherlund family and remained a devoted cousin to many. She cherished her childhood days growing up in northern Wisconsin, creating memories she recounted fondly throughout her life.

Much to her parents’ surprise, after only one month of courtship, she married the love of her life, Bobby “Bob” Marley, in 1951. Together, they built a beautiful and enduring legacy, establishing homes in Washington, D.C., Oklahoma City, and finally Shreveport, Louisiana, where they raised their two daughters, Gerry and Cheryl.

After graduating from Superior Central High School, Lavaun went on to hold several meaningful roles throughout her career and was an active and faithful member of Our Savior Lutheran Church. Yet of all the titles she carried, her greatest joy came from being “Mom” and “Grandma.”

Lavaun was known as a voracious reader, a talented crafter, a steadfast cheerleader for those she loved, and had a hardy Scandinavian spirit. She had an extraordinary long-term memory and served as a constant source of comfort, wisdom, and unconditional love to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She adored God, her family, sweet treats, and cozy mystery shows like Murder, She Wrote and Diagnosis Murder. She treasured weekly hair appointments with her sister, cuddling every family pet, and simply spending time with the people she loved most.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, and her brothers, Ronnie and Robert. She is survived by her sister, Gerry Sabin; daughters, Gerry Marley and Cheryl Foss; son-in-law, Jeffrey Foss; granddaughters, Kristin, Taylor, and Madison Foss; and numerous extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

A graveside service will be held in her honor on December 16, 2025 at 11:00 am., at Centuries Memorial Funeral Park, located at 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana, 71108.

As the cherished matriarch of our family, Lavaun leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, faith, and compassion that will forever live on in each of us.