Lavonia Elizabeth Martin's Obituary
Lavonia Elizabeth Martin, 103, born in Peerless, Texas in 1907 to Reverend R.N. and Mary Binkley passed away on Sunday, January 16, 2011. She grew up in Collin County where she began her teaching career at the Faulkner one-teacher school. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Texas and then went to Vernon, Texas where she taught four years. She retired in 1969 after twenty years of first grade teaching in Garland, Texas. Lavonia was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-five years, Ira E. Martin, two sisters, Velma Binkley and Lela Barnes and husband B.T. Barnes. Lavonia was a long time member of Gaston Oaks Baptist (formerly Gaston Avenue) Church. She is survived by her son Dr. Ben L. Martin, his wife Weslynn, her granddaughter Heather Novak and husband Kent Novak, their sons Travis and Jack, her grandson Matthew Christian Martin, his wife Capriccio and their sons Milo and Brody, her sister and best friend Ora Lee Binkley, her nephew Dr. James B. Barnes, wife Jeanie and their son Alan, his wife Mirtha, and their children Emily and Christopher. Her family and many cousins were great joy to her. A sweet southern lady, Lavonia’s calm, kind nature will be remembered as a model of gentility and grace.
What’s your fondest memory of Lavonia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lavonia?
Share a story where Lavonia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lavonia you’ll never forget.
How did Lavonia make you smile?