LaVonna Sue Bates

September 1940 – October 2021

LaVonna was born in Oklahoma to Herbert and Bertie Jackson and passed away at the age of 81. She will be remembered as a beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She loved animals, being in nature and visiting the ocean.

She is survived by son Monty (Lupe) Bates; grandchildren Amanda (Bret) Foster, Ashley (Charles) Baker, Tawanna (Edgar) Ramirez, Zachariah Stone and Monty-Malcolm (Becca) Bates; six great grandchildren; and sister Melva Gene Branco. LaVonna was preceded in death by her daughter Chery Nadine Bates; and siblings Elmo Jackson and Paul Jackson.

Funeral will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 10:00a.m. with interment to follow at Winton Cemetery District.

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Brenda Vogel (Blevins) says
November 12, 2021 at 6:31 am

LaVonna was like my second mom. I met her when I was 3 years old while living across the street from Bertie and Herbert Jackson (her mom and dad). I became best friends with her daughter Chery and we maintained a close friendship until Chery’s death. I have so many memories of spending time with LaVonna, Monty and Chery during my childhood and into adulthood. One of my favorite memories was when LaVonna, Chery and I went horseback riding and would sing songs. On Top of Old Smokey was one of LaVonna’s favorites and she taught Chery and I her version of the song. It was always so much fun spending time with her and she had such a wonderful sense of humor. I learned many things from LaVonna throughout the years and I will forever be thankful for all the knowledge she passed on to me. I am the person I am today due to her teaching me kindness, generosity, love and understanding. I always left her home feeling thankful and blessed to have spent time with her and for the wisdom of her years that she would so happily share with me. I am grateful to have known such a loving and caring person. One thing I vividly remember from my childhood was that when she had to punish us kids she was always firm but fair. I carried that with me when it came time to raise my own children and so it carries on. Her smile would light up the room and her laughter was infectious. I always looked upon her as one of those people who just drew people to her. This was one extremely strong and independent woman who fought hard during her lifetime and now she can be at peace. The race is over and her time to rest has come. I love and miss you Mom! I know we shall see each other again but until then know that there aren’t words to express the huge hole that I will have within my heart now that you aren’t here. To me you represent the true meaning of what being humble and having grace are meant to be. Give Chery and my Dad a hug. I never would have gotten through those losses in my life without you. YOU were MY saving grace and I will forever be grateful that God brought us together to share a lifetime of memories. I remember you telling me once after having my children that I had some hard choices to make. That raising kids was hard and boy you weren’t kidding! You said they’re worth a million laughs and a million tears. It was up to me to decide which one of those two choices I would carry with me for the rest of my life. I have never forgotten that conversation LaVonna and I chose the laughs as you know. I will do the same with you my beautiful adopted mother. We’ve laughed and we’ve cried together throughout the years and I choose to remember your laughter, sparkling eyes and radiant smile. I love you more today than I did yesterday and I will love you more tomorrow than today. My love doesn’t end simply because God has called you home. This world is a much darker place without your light shining within it. Rest in peace Pretty Lady and save me a spot next to you at the table if that’s allowed…Love you forever!!!
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Terri Cabral says
November 11, 2021 at 4:04 am

I had the pleasure of getting to know LaVonna last year.. there was an instant connection between the two of us . I loved sitting at her kitchen table and listening to her many stories. LaVonna was a fascinating lady and lived a very interesting life. She was definitely a strong woman and extremely independent.. my last memory of her was very pleasant and my daughters and I had the opportunity to sit at her table once again and visit with her for about an hour and a half.. we laughed and laughed.. my littlest daughter is seven and she really loved visiting with her on our last visit when we were leaving she said to me mom I wish she was our grandma I thought that was the sweetest thing ever”¦ when I got home I called her and told her what Bella had said.. you could tell she was very touched by it.. it made her happy.. The only regret I have is not meeting her sooner..