Elsie Norman Lavender

Elsie grew up in Hazlehurst, Mississippi. Upon graduating from high school, she moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana and worked for Gulf States Utilities, while taking night classes at LSU. She was introduced to her husband, Knight Lavender, by a mutual friend. They got married, he opened his Psychiatric practice, and they raised their two girls in Baton Rouge.

Elsie was a member of University Methodist Church, The Baton Rouge Newcomers Club, The Baton Rouge Symphony Auxiliary and The East Baton Rouge Parish Medical Auxiliary. For a period of time, she sold farms and opened a jewelry store. She loved cooking, gardening and entertaining. Elsie was a strong-willed, independent woman that had the most generous spirit. She loved her grandchildren, and they adored her. Her first grandchild started calling her “Bigga Momma” and the next two followed suit. Over the years, they shortened it to “Bigga”. She loved to talk, tell stories and share with others.

Elsie and Knight loved hosting international students attending LSU. From this connection, derived a special relationship with our “Mexican Family”; especially Mati and Lucina, who made special effort to call and visit Elsie during her later years.

Elsie is lovingly survived by her daughters, Elsie Conley (Woody) and Shannon Dunham (Richard); grandchildren, Ashley Lavender Byouk, Shannon Byouk Yowell (Tommy) and Elliott Knight Dunham; great-grandchild, Oliver Thomas Yowell; brother, Roy Norman (Peggy); beloved niece, Nancy Blakeney Smith (Gary); along with other nieces and nephews, Clark, Julie, Marsha, Dave, Denease and Elease.

She is preceded in death by her parents, David Andrew Norman and Irma Tillman Norman; husband, Alvin “Knight” Lavender; sisters, Myrtle Blakeney (Doc), Doris Hart (Elmer), Josie Williams (Henry), Bertha Mae Seals (J.C.) and Vivian Bailey (Frank); sister-in-law, Shirley Norman; nieces and nephews, Carolyn, Brenda, Charles, Peggy, John and Freda; and her special cousin, Edith Sims.

A private memorial will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank Old Jefferson Community Care Center for the love and excellent care and Notre Dame Hospice for their loving support.