Lavonda Walters Womack, 73, of Chula, Georgia, peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on Friday, November 22, 2024. Her passing marks the end of a life devoted to faith, family, and community, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion.
A funeral service in celebration of Lavonda's life will be held on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Tifton First Methodist Church, with Reverend Robert Couey officiating.
Interment will follow at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Chula, where she had been a faithful member for many years. Prior to the service, the family will welcome friends in the church sanctuary, starting at 12:30 p.m.
Pallbearers for the service will be her sons, Wes Walters, Jake Walters, Todd Damato, John Fleming, Trey Womack, and David Walker, all of whom were cherished members of her extended family.
Lavonda, affectionately known as Nonni by her nine grandchildren and Nondi by her nieces and nephews, was born on October 4, 1951, in Ocilla, GA, to Lorie Vinson Walters and Betty Joyce Tankersley Walters.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved brother, Wesley Troy Walters. Lavonda graduated from Irwin County High School in 1969, after which she attended Valdosta State University. While at VSU, she joined the Kappa Delta sorority, where she met Roger Womack, the love of her life.
The couple married in 1972, and together they raised three children, whom Lavonda deeply adored and was immensely proud of. Their marriage of nearly 50 years was a testament to their deep love and commitment to each other.
Roger passed away in 2021, and Lavonda continued to honor their shared love and family values until her passing. Lavonda’s faith was central to her life.
As a devoted Christian, she actively contributed to the life of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where she played a significant role in the Christmas church decorating committee, helping to beautify the church for the holidays.
She was deeply committed to sharing her faith with her children and grandchildren, ensuring that her love of Christ was passed down to future generations. Beyond her church service, Lavonda had a well-known passion for baking, and her homemade lemon pies brought joy to many.
Her spirit of giving was evident in the way she nurtured those around her, always looking for ways to share her blessings. Lavonda’s dedication to Tiftarea Academy, where she worked for many years in various administrative capacities, was another significant aspect of her life.
She was instrumental in helping build the school’s foundation, offering support and care to ensure its success. In 2006, Lavonda retired to assist her husband and son in managing Red Oak Sports and Red Oak Turf, a business they had established together.
Her involvement in the school and community was remembered by many, and Tiftarea Academy recently honored her by naming their spirit store in her memory, recognizing her enthusiasm and support of the school’s athletic programs.
Sports were an important part of Lavonda’s life, and she could often be heard cheering loudly from the stands at her children and grandchildren’s sporting events. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and she was known to bring air horns and jugs filled with rocks to make sure her support was heard.
Lavonda’s love for sports was also evident in her involvement with the school's athletic programs, where she continued to play an active role even after her retirement.
In addition to her many contributions to her family, church, and community, Lavonda had a great passion for gardening. She was a proud member of the Gardenia Garden Club of Tifton, and her home was a testament to her love of flowers.
Each year, her garden flourished with vibrant blooms, particularly her hydrangeas. Lavonda’s love of gardening was deeply rooted in family tradition, including the transplantation of her grandmother’s Queen Anne’s Lace, which she once wrote about in a letter that was published in Southern Living magazine.
Lavonda is survived by her three sons and their wives: Jason and Erin Womack of Chula, Justin and Meghan Womack of Valdosta, and John and Meredith Womack of Greensboro.
She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Kate Marie, Caroline, Griffin, Harrison, Hank, Beau, Brooks, Wilson, and Becker. Her brother, Wyndall Lorie Walters and his wife, Rhonda, also survive her, as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will miss her dearly.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the healthcare workers and caregivers who provided Lavonda with compassionate care during her final years, particularly her sister-in-law, Diane Womack, whose help and support were invaluable.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Mt. Zion Baptist Church, located at 293 Mt. Zion Church Road, Chula, GA 31733, or online at www.mtzionchula.org, or to Holy Land Farms, 170 Adams Road, Chula, GA 31733, or online at holylandfarms.org. Holy Land Farms was a project close to Lavonda’s heart, a vision that was started by her late husband and carried on by their family.
Lavonda Walters Womack will be remembered for her loving spirit, her deep faith, and her unwavering commitment to her family and community. Her legacy of kindness, generosity, and devotion will continue to inspire all who knew her.
