Emily H. Lavelle

Born on April 24, 1940, in Taft, Louisiana, Emily dedicated her life to faith, family, and service to others. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and volunteer whose warmth and grace touched everyone who knew her.

Emily is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Kenneth P. Lavelle, and their three children: Paul K. Lavelle (Jennifer), John C. Lavelle (Patricia), and Aileen E. Lavelle Buford (Marshall). She was the proud grandmother to Connor Lavelle, Anna Victoria Lavelle, Emily Elizabeth Lavelle (“Ellie”), Thomas Buford, Eric Buford and Nathan Buford and her sainted granddaughter, Rachel Grace Buford.

Emily graduated from Dominican College in New Orleans, LA, with a degree in education, specializing in Home Economics. She began her career teaching at Edgard High School in Edgard, LA, and later at St. Joseph’s High School in New Orleans. After starting her family, Emily devoted herself fully to her role as a homemaker, raising her children and creating a loving home. When her youngest child went away to college, she returned to the workforce and spent seven years as a sales associate at Calico Corners Fabric and Upholstery, where she shared her deep love of textiles and design. Emily also had a deep love for home and family. She found happiness in cooking, sewing, and gardening—activities that reflected her creativity, care, and nurturing spirit

Her Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life. Emily was an active member of many church groups and ministries, including The Altar Society, Casa Maria, Renew, Schoenstatt, and the St. John Vianney Vocations Society. Her life was a testament to the joy and peace she found in her faith, and she worked tirelessly to share that joy with others.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and faith that will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM, with Visitation beginning at 12:00pm. Burial will follow at Southern Heritage Cemetery in Pelham, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, Emily and Kenneth request that donations be made to Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, in loving memory of Emily.