Lavon (McDonald) Dunham

Lavon McDonald Dunham, age 87, passed away on Thursday, September 22, 2022. She was born in DeQuincy, LA on March 4, 1935, to Wilburn and Joyce Dowies McDonald.

Fiery and devoted, whomever she loved and whatever she endeavored to do, Lavon fully invested herself. The deep love that she had for her family not only endeared Lavon to them, but they knew that she lived for them, believed in them, and supported them. Throughout her life, her spirited nature inspiring others and encouraged the heart of any in her presence; Lavon was a firecracker, a real-life Energizer Bunny. Fate would bring a special someone in her life in her youth, while she attended a retreat with the young ladies from her church. Their accompanying lifeguard, a young man named Raymond, took one look at this girl with “those big ole’ earrings”, and his heart was stolen straightway by Lavon. He asked if he could see her, and her replying that “you have to ask my daddy”. Raymond, who would always be her “Toodlem”, of course did not hesitate to ask and a love was born that would burn brightly for rest of their lives together. They married on May 31, 1953, and were blessed with a family, a legacy of their love. Earning two cosmetology licenses, she not only loved her trade, but she enjoyed teaching it to others and took pride in seeing her students receive their licenses and watching them succeed. When she became a grandmother, each grandchild was beckoned into her home and daily life to be showered with her affection and often partake in her “Backyard Bible Schools”. Her past-times were numerous, and continuing after the death of Raymond, she stayed active. She loved to travel, and the places that she visited were beyond count. Lavon believed that “You got to leave room for a little something sweet”, and this was not just how she ate, but it was who she was. She may have been competitive, may have been a little high falootin’, but there was no doubt that right under the surface was a sweetness and devotion that is rare, unique, and special. The desire of her heart, and daily prayer, was that all her family looked to the One that guided her footsteps, the Lord Jesus, and she strove to set an example of service to the Kingdom and dedication to her Faith, so that in her, they would see the light of Christ, accept Him, and look forward to the day of reunion and rejoicing that they would share in Heaven. As a devout, lifelong Christian, Lavon lived well on this Earth. Though she is gone, she will be forever cherished by her family and friends.

Left to honor her memory are sons, Raymond Dunham Jr. of Vidor, Mike Dunham and wife, Debbie, of Lumberton; daughter, Lisa Hardy and husband, Cliff, of Lumberton; stepchildren, Wanda Deal-Kekauoha, Linda Deal-St. Clair, Tom Deal, and Christopher Deal; sister-in-law, Eloise McDonald; grandchildren, Chad Dunham, Christin Dupuis, Angie Humble and husband, Sean, Ben Dunham and wife, Chasity, Sean Hardy and wife, Stephanie, Garrett Hardy and wife, Hannah; 10 great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family, friends, and loved ones.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life and husband of 45 years, Raymond D Dunham Sr.; second husband and Raymond’s best friend, Leroy Deal, for whom she devotedly cared until his passing; her parents; and brother, LaRoyce McDonald.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, September 30, 2022, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Lumberton Family Funeral Home, 766 S. Main St., Lumberton, TX 77657. Lavon's life honoring funeral service will begin at 10:30 a.m. She will be laid to rest at the Masonic Cemetery, DeQuincy, LA.

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