Lavonia Martin

Lay spent her early years in Ellenwood and Moultrie, Georgia, before moving to Atlanta, where she graduated from West Fulton High School. She furthered her education at the Job Corps, specializing in their Data Entry program, and subsequently worked for the State of Georgia for many years until her well-deserved retirement.

Lay married Clyde Lemon, and together they welcomed a son, Mershon K. Lemon, who sadly preceded her in death. As the youngest of thirteen siblings, Lay held a deep and abiding love for her family. She cherished music, traveling, dancing, playing games, and spending precious moments with her great nieces and nephews, whom she fondly referred to as her grandchildren. Lay committed her life to Christ at a young age and later worshiped at Travelers Rest Baptist Church in Rex, Georgia, until God called her home.

Her siblings who have preceded her in death are Elester Hill, Elder Hill, Maeaner Hill, Earnest Hill, Sallie Lou Smith, Elector Hill II, Clover T. Eberhart, Isaac Hill Sr., and Evelyn Bell.

Lavonia leaves behind her remaining siblings: Nathaniel Hill, Lucy H. Wilson, and Mirial L. Hill. Additionally, she leaves to mourn a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

A visitation for Lavonia will be held Tuesday, July 8, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Tara Garden Chapel. A celebration of life service will occur Wednesday, July 9, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Tara Garden Chapel.