LaVelle Haynes

As the baby of four daughters, LaVelle grew up in Tokio and then Santa Anna, where she was a proud 1960 alumna. Her childhood was full of love, farming, and small-town life in the 50s. LaVelle married her high school sweetheart James Lyndon Haynes in Santa Anna, TX, on September 30, 1959. A year later, their daughter Becky made their family complete. In a few years, they moved from Brownwood to Jal, NM and then Kermit, where they lived for over 20 years.

She worked many years as a bookkeeper before starting a second career in the Methodist ministry in 1989. She worked alongside her husband to serve many people and churches throughout the Central Texas area. She later graduated from Cisco Junior College, Tarleton State University, and Perkins School of Theology/SMU. She pastored churches in Lake Proctor, Sidney, Lamkin, Breckenridge, Eolian, Temple, Italy, and Milford, as well as district and conference administrative positions, before retiring in 2003. LaVelle and James fulfilled a lifelong dream of moving to the Hill Country in 2008. She enjoyed working as a relief postmaster and at the historic Antlers Hotel front desk in Kingsland in her later years.

LaVelle was a devoted daughter, wife, and mother, but her greatest joy was becoming Granvel to her 2 grandchildren, then 5 great-grandchildren. She was always cheerful and sought to lift others up, welcoming people into her life with open arms. LaVelle’s favorite pastimes were reading, fishing, traveling, and spending time with her beloved family, especially playing cards, telling stories, and enjoying the beach. Her unwavering faith, nurturing love, and commitment to her family and faith will remain a lasting tribute to a life well lived. The impact she has made on this world through her embodiment of Proverbs 31 will live on for generations. We take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, resting in the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

LaVelle was preceded in death by her parents Earl and Lena; and sisters Earlene Scott and Yvonne Walls. She is survived by her husband James Lyndon of Marble Falls; daughter Becky and son-in-love Lendale Widner; granddaughter Shelby Wright and husband Jeff; grandson Brady Widner and wife Jennifer; great-grandchildren Carson, Nolan, Kinsley, Grayson and Judge; sister Joyce Leffingwell; nieces Glenna Russell and Debbie Jordan; nephew Chuck (Sandra) Wallace; 5 siblings-in-law; numerous cousins, great nieces and nephews, and friends; and her cherished kitty Possum.

The family greatly appreciates and thanks all the staff at Arbor House Assisted Living and Comforts of Home Hospice, especially her wonderful caregivers, Gigi and Adela.

LaVelle’s Celebration of Life will be held Friday, March 6 at 2:00pm at First Methodist Church of Marble Falls, officiated by Rev. Ellen Ely, with visitation immediately following the service. Arrangements under the direction of Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home. Interment of ashes will be Saturday, March 7 at 1:00 pm at Santa Anna Cemetery. LaVelle’s favorite color was any shade of pink; attendees are encouraged to wear pink or other bright colors as we celebrate her. She requested memorials be made to First Methodist Church of Marble Falls.