Lavern Long Obituary (1943 - 2024)

Lavern Chaney Long passed into eternity August 30, 2024 at home surrounded by her family. She was born September 3, 1943 to Ed and Martha Chaney. For several years Lavern was a stay-at-home mom. She then became instrumental in the opening of the Head Start Program in Casa and later became a teacher’s aide at Casa Elementary School. After her children were raised, she spent many years working at Coca Cola Bottling Company until its closing. She completed her degree at the University Community College in Morrilton, and eventually retired from there as an administrative assistant. Lavern is survived by her best friend and the father of her children Windle Long, daughters Patty Davidson, Susan (Kelly) McGehee and sister Joyce Gatlin. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jessica (CJ Mashburn), Andrea (Ephraim) Eubanks, Shelby Quinalty, Emily (Gage) Desalvo, and Alex (Bentley) Hoelzeman as well as the joys of her final years her great grands who knew her as GiGi. Lola, Linleigh, Lydia, Wyatt, Delilah, Piper, Chaney, and Giulietta as well as a host of nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. She is preceded in death by her parents, as well as three brothers Ollie, Vernon, and Edward and three sisters Louella Chaney, Ruby Light, and Isabelle Thornburg. She was also preceded in death by her son-in-law Bobby Davidson, one grandson Garrett Hoelzeman and one great granddaughter Kellan Mashburn. Most importantly Lavern had a personal relationship with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was a member of Welcome Home Missionary Baptist Church in Rose Creek. Her favorite things were her grands and great grands, and cooking which she mastered over her many years on this earth. She always made it a point to make sure everyone was fed and well taken care of. No doubt everyone who knew her is already missing her fried chicken, pies, and pumpkin bread. Services will be held Monday, September 9, 2024, at Welcome Home Missionary Baptist Church at Rose Creek with visitation at 1:00 pm and the memorial service at 2:00 pm with Brother John Williams officiating. Following will be a private burial at Hamilton cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hamilton Cemetery, C\O Susan McGehee, 699 Hwy. 324 N., Casa, AR 72025. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Gentiva Hospice.