Sylvia Lavonne (Covington) Messick

Sylvia Lavonne (Covington) Messick, 84, went to her new home in heaven at 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 9, 2017. She was born in Butler, on Nov. 26, 1932, to Lewis C. and Minnie Lee (Cowan) Covington. Three months later the family moved to Vernon County and shortly after moved to the farm in Walker considered to be the Covington home place.

Lavonne was the eighth of nine children. Having consideration of others, sharing all you had, and lending a helping hand were characteristics she developed at a young age and maintained throughout her life. She was a vivacious friendly cheerleader at Walker High School, where she graduated in 1950.

Lavonne was married to Marion Messick for 22 years and had one son, Ken. They owned the Dairy Maid in El Dorado Springs for 10 years. Marion and Lavonne remained lifelong friends.

One of Lavonne’s greatest joys were her grandchildren, Holly Messick of South Carolina, Josh Messick of Springfield and a great -granddaughter Gia.

Lavonne was ambitious and hard working. She owned several restaurants throughout her life, retired from the State Hospital in Nevada and always created ways to succeed.

Her artistic talents, love of knowledge, beautiful singing voice and imaginative storytelling made her a very interesting and colorful personality to be around. Her hearty laugh and humor about life will remain with us forever.

Lavonne attended the El Dorado Springs Assembly of God Church until her move to Springfield in 2011. She loved the Lord and shared God’s love with her family and others while on this earth. As the last sibling to depart this life, she is now reunited for a heavenly family reunion.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Minnie Covington of Walker; a son, Ken, in 2011; brothers –  Jerial Covington, Clark Covington and Orville Covington; sisters –  Laverna McHenry, Florence Flynn, Ruth O’Neal, Wilma Miller and Aretha Covington.

She will be greatly missed and remembered always by her friends, grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services were held Sunday, March 12, in Sheldon Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs, with Dana Taylor officiating. Music was  “In The Garden” and “Beyond The Sunset.” Caketbearers were Josh Messick Lee Covington, Russell Miller, Michael Flynn, Brent McHenry and Jim Flynn. Interment was in Mt Vernon Cemetery, El Dorado Springs, under direction of Sheldon Funeral Home. El Dorado Springs. www.sheldonfh.com.