Lavenia Pauline Cruze

Lavenia Pauline Cruze, age 58, was called home to heaven on January 20, 2016 after a brief illness. She was born on July 12, 1957 in Knoxville, Tennessee to the late Florence Eidson Cruze and Howard Cruze. Lavenia leaves her sister, Lois Cruze; special first cousins Edna Jean Pressley, Barbara Lawson, Jane Walker, Virginia Miles and Eileen Ingle; and many other close cousins and friends. Lavenia graduated from Doyle High School in 1975. She worked for many years at the 411 Restaurant in Maryville, Tennessee, where she was affectionately known as "Shorty". Lavenia also worked for several years at Williamsburg Villas Assisted Living in Knoxville. At the time of her death, she was living in west Tennessee, near her sister. Lavenia was a faithful member of Meridian Baptist Church, where she was especially close to the wonderful group of ladies in the Win-Some Class. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, January 27 at Berry Highland South, with burial to follow. The Rev. Dana Fachman will officiate. Visitation will be from 12 to 2 prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Meridian Baptist Church, 6513 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920 or to Knox Area Rescue Ministries, P.O. Box 3310, Knoxville, TN 37927-3310 (www.karm.org).