Shirley Lavender, a cherished mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026, in Port Neches, Texas. Born a unique "leap year baby" on February 29, 1936, in Kountze, Texas, Shirley brought joy and warmth into the lives of all who knew her throughout her 90 years.
Shirley was renowned for her huge heart and boundless compassion, embodying the roles of a wonderful housewife and dedicated mother. She was a caretaker to many, often taking numerous children under her wing, earning her the affectionate titles of "Mom" and "Ms. Shirley" from everyone she encountered. Her talents extended to the kitchen, where her famous chicken and dressing delighted many, and she proudly served as a member of the Praise Church in Beaumont. Shirley also worked at the Beaumont Auto Auction, was an avid Elvis fan who collected memorabilia, and held a special fondness for the color red.
Shirley Lavender, a cherished mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026, in Port Neches, Texas. Born a unique "leap year baby" on February 29, 1936, in Kountze, Texas, Shirley brought joy and warmth into the lives of all who knew her throughout her 90 years.
Shirley was renowned for her huge heart and boundless compassion, embodying the roles of a wonderful housewife and dedicated mother. She was a caretaker to many, often taking numerous children under her wing, earning her the affectionate titles of "Mom" and "Ms. Shirley" from everyone she encountered. Her talents extended to the kitchen, where her famous chicken and dressing delighted many, and she proudly served as a member of the Praise Church in Beaumont. Shirley also worked at the Beaumont Auto Auction, was an avid Elvis fan who collected memorabilia, and held a special fondness for the color red.
She leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory: her sons, Billy Gene Lavender and his wife, Linda of Beaumont, and Sid Lavender of Sour Lake; and her daughter, Roxanne Ivey and her husband, Randy of Bernice, Oklahoma. Shirley was a proud grandmother to Becah Butler and her husband, John, Lacey Croaker and her husband, Jarrod, Cassie Wilkerson and her husband, Dustin, Shantell Wilson and her husband, Koty, Dillon Lavender, April Lavender, and Rebecca Lavender. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Breanna Butler, Brooke Butler, Chloe Wilkerson, Wade Wilkerson, Collins Wilkerson, Chandler Wilkerson, Macie Wilson, Kolbi Wilson, Leon Lavender, and Jude Lavender.
Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Albert and Johnnie Boyette; her devoted spouse, Billy Earl Lavender; her sons, Donald Lavender and Dale Ray Lavender; her daughter-in-law, Rachel Lavender; and her siblings, AD Boyett, Harold Boyett, Nola Mae Williams, Annie Flowers, Jane Oliver, and Elwanda Savel.
Family, friends, and community members are invited to pay their respects during the visitation on July 9, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home, 1605 Avenue H, Nederland Texas. The funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m., with graveside services afterward at Memory Gardens in Nederland, Texas.
Her kindness, generosity, and loving spirit will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched.