Lavinia Louise Kornegay

Lavinia Louise Kornegay (née Smith), 83, passed away in Jacksonville, Florida, on August 17, 2024. Born November 20, 1940, in Folkston, Georgia, she lived a life marked by family, faith, warmth, and community spirit. With her husband, and even after his death, she enjoyed extensive travel worldwide.

Lavinia's love for her family was a beacon of warmth in her life. She married the late John Kornegay in 1957, and their love lasted for nearly five decades. Two daughters, Deborah Varney (Mark) and Denise Kornegay (Barry Koenig), were born into this union. She cherished her daughters, sons-in-law, and three grandsons: Nicholas Koenig, Jake Koenig, and Joseph Varney. Her love extended to her great-grandchildren, Zarah Varney and Maddox Hofrichter, and her great-great-grandchild, Ella Varney.

Lavinia is survived by two sisters, Margaret Parker (Jack) of Atlanta, Georgia, and JoAnn McAnlis (John) of Perris, California. Her first cousin Janice Connor (Ronnie) was like her kid sister and was one of her best friends. She had five nieces and one nephew, all of whom were very special to her: Fawn Craig (Jimmi), Joanna Dickinson (Brian), Tammy Jackson, Christy Block, and Richard Cooper. Numerous great nieces and nephews enjoyed her love and her warmth.

Lavinia was not just a friend but a friend for life. Her friendships, like fine wine, only grew richer with time. Donna Rowland and Elaine Toomey, her neighborhood friends from the late 1960s, remained close until her last breath. Retired from the Federal Department of Labor, Lavinia's bond with former co-workers Evelyn Eardley, Carlotta (and Mike) Jernigan, Marge Smilie, Anita DeBoer, and many others, stood the test of time, spanning over 40 years. David and Martha Dorsey, the children of her heart, were part of her life for over 45 years. She continued to make new friends when she moved to Cypress Village Retirement Community. Lavinia's connections were enduring and fresh, a testament to her vibrant spirit.

Lavinia's faith was a part of her life and the foundation that sustained her throughout her journey. As a long-time North Jacksonville Baptist Church member, she found solace and strength in her worship. Even when she moved to Cypress Village Retirement Community in 2018, her faith continued to be a guiding light in her life.

A Memorial Service will be held on September 8th, 2024, at 3:00 in Egret Hall, Cypress Village Retirement Community (4600 Middleton Circle E. Jacksonville, FL 32224). A reception will follow the service to allow us to gather and continue celebrating her life. Interment will be on September 9th at 9:30 a.m. at the Jacksonville National Cemetery (4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the charity of your choice or Lavinia’s favorites: Navy Relief (Yorktown Avenue, Building 13, Jacksonville, FL 32212); Community Hospice and Palliative Care (4266 Sunbeam Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257); or Jacksonville’s “Hands On” Children’s Museum (8580 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32216).