LaVon Johnson

Born on March 5, 1937, in Austin, Texas, to her parents, Wallace and Lillian Leser, LaVon grew up surrounded by a close family, later joined by her beloved sister, Lynelle, and brother, Dennis. She graduated from Travis High School in Austin in 1955. Shortly after graduating, she met and married the love of her life, Buddy Johnson, on December 2, 1955.

Together, she and Buddy built a beautiful life and were blessed with two amazing sons, Tracy (born in 1957) and Will (born in 1970).

While LaVon held many different jobs throughout her life, she ultimately made a distinguished career in the banking industry, retiring as Assistant Vice President at the Oak Hill branch of Bank of America. She truly cherished her work and loved the people she worked alongside, counting many colleagues as lifelong friends. Her warmth, dedication, and personal touch made a lasting impression on her customers, who always spoke so fondly of her.

Upon both of their retirements, Buddy and LaVon moved to Kenedy, Texas, where they embraced ranch life together, raising cattle and horses. LaVon also poured her heart into her faith and community through First Baptist Church in Karnes City. She remained deeply active in church life, teaching Sunday School, serving on the hospitality committee, acting as Craft Director for Vacation Bible School, participating in Awanas, and contributing to several other church committees over the years.

LaVon loved traveling and making memories with the people she held dear. She and Buddy spent several years traveling across the country following Texas A&M football games. Family trips to Port Aransas were a cherished tradition for many years, but her most treasured moments were their annual autumn trips to Estes Park, Colorado. She held a special place in her heart for the mountains, watching the aspens turn brilliant shades of gold, and marveling at the local wildlife—especially the elk.

LaVon was a remarkable woman whose warmth, faith, and kindness touched everyone around her. Over the last couple of years, it was an honor and a true privilege for her family to care for her, giving back just a fraction of the boundless love and care she bestowed upon others throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Buddy Johnson; her parents, Wallace and Lillian Leser; her sister, Lynelle Starling; her daughter-in-law, Terri Johnson; her brothers-in-law, Billy Cooper and Thomas Johnson; and her niece, Tammy Starling.

LaVon’s legacy of love continues through her surviving family: her sons, Tracy Johnson and Will Johnson (Ross); her grandsons, Hunter Johnson (Lissette) and Tome Johnson (Sarah); her great-grandson, Leon; her brother, Dennis Leser (Andrea); her sisters-in-law, Brenda Cooper and Jeannie Johnson; as well as numerous extended family members, nieces, nephews, dear friends, and her companion dog, Hershey.