Lavonne Johnson 1949-2023

Lavonne was born March 7, 1949, in Buena Vista, Miss., the daughter of Clifton Sr. and Castene Willis-Baskin.

She was a graduate of East High School. Lavonne worked as a literature evangelist for the Allegheny West Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, retiring in 2014. She was a faithful member of Temple Emanuel S.D.A. Church, where she served as Ordained Elder, Sabbath School Superintendent and teacher, member of the Faith Choir and taught a women’s Bible study. Her hobbies were decorating and gardening. She was a devoted daughter, sister, mother and grandmother, who became a friend to all who would meet her. She was a Lakers fan as well as an avid basketball fan.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving mother, Mrs. Castene Baskin of Youngstown; two daughters, Natasha Johnson of Hendersonville, Tenn. and Leslie Johnson of Raleigh, N.C.; grandsons Adrian and JeLyn; two brothers, Clifton Baskin Jr. and Jeffrey Baskin; and a sister, Lynda (King) Dandridge; sister-in-law, Karen Baskin; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Clifton Baskin Sr.; two brothers, Rayford Baskin and Ronald Baskin; and a sister, Beverly James.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to noon, with the funeral service following noon Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, at Temple Emanuel S.D.A. Church.

Due to the pandemic, all guests are asked to wear masks and to practice social distancing.

Services of love and dignity were entrusted to L.E. Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home.

(special notice)