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Russell Lavender Obituary

SAVANNAH, Ga. - Mr. Russell Zell Lavender passed into rest Saturday, January 12, 2008 at his residence under the care of Savannah Hospice. He was a Chatham County native and the son of the late Willie Mae Miller and Roy Lavender. As a small business man, realtor, and pastor, Mr. Lavender and his brother owned and operated Lavender Home Builders Company, Lavender Wrecking Company, and the First Black Bonding Company. He also served on the Board of Trustees with The Carver State Bank. He also served in the United States Army during World War II. Mr. Lavender leaves a legacy to be cherished by loving children, Rhonda A. Lavender, Georzell D. Lavender, Russell A. Lavender, Rossi Z. Lavender, Greta Z. Lavender, Runessa Z. Lavender, and Rodney R. Lavender all of Savannah, Ga., Regina Gray, Viette Z. Lavender, Russell Zock Lavender, Velda R. Lavender, Rhonstedt Z. Lavender, Rhoderick Z. Lavender, and Viezelle Z. Lavender all of Jacksonville, Fla.; a brother, Willie James (Justine) Lavender, Savannah, Ga.; 25 grandchildren, 8 great- grandchildren; loving nieces, nephews, a host of relatives and friends. A Celebration of Life Service in honor of Mr. Lavender will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, January 19, 2008 at the First African Baptist Church (23 Montgomery Street), the Rev. Thurman Tillman, pastor and the Rev. Todd Rhodes officiating. Internment will follow in the Lincoln Memorial Cemetery with military honors. Final rites entrusted to Hill's Mortuary, Inc., Statesboro, Ga. (912) 764-7134. Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com

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Published by The Augusta Chronicle on Jan. 17, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Russell Lavender

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February 2, 2008

To Viezelle, Rhoderick & the Lavender family. My heart goes out to you during the loss of your wonderful father. I have many memories when viezelle & I were in high school and she was the only one with a car. We use to have a lot of fun in those days. I know that Mr. Lavender was a very nice man who cared for everyone. He is in a better place and you will see him again.

Love Patricia McCoy, Jacksonville, Florida

Larry Thompson

January 26, 2008

I extend sincere condolences to Rhonda, Russell, Rossie, Gee Gee, Jimmy and the rest of the family during this time of bereavement. I was just thinking about you all and the great times we use to have back in the days in our neighborhood 39th, 38th, 37th and 36 streets. I'm truly saddened by the passing of Mr Lavender. His legacy and my memory of him will never be forgotten.
Respectfully
Larry Thompson from 39th street

DOROTHY CARTER

January 23, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Danielle Lavender

January 21, 2008

Ill miss u grandpa
even though i dont have alot of memories of us being together i will always remember that unforgetable laugh u would make when you thoght something was funny. It will be different now that you are gone. Now that you are gone I am going to miss having to wait until you come home and you being the first one to eat while we were starving. You know you sure did like you some cake and icecream.I love and miss you grandaddy and will never forget you. I'll see you on the other side. Make sure you keep my dear cousins Yusif "Boog", Michael "Mike Tike", and Koleda company and wait for me when those gates to heaven open for my entrance.

Minnie Green

January 20, 2008

To the Lavender family,

Your loved one has gone on to a much better place. Remember his love and devotion to you all. May God continue to heal your hearts.

Rosalie Middleton Lane

January 20, 2008

Our deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Russell Zell Lavender. Russell was certainly admired and respected by those who knew him in the old Anderson Street and 31 Street neighborhood of the 50's. He was especially kind to us children who grew up with his sisters (Emily and Fannie). (He took an interest in your grades, chided you if your behavior was a little left of center, corrected your bad grammer, and even included you in the family's many birthday parties, (even if you were not invited). He was always smiling, and dispensed such encouraging words to "us" children in the neighborhood. I will always remember him with respect and love. Of course being a friend of his sisters Emily and Fannie, I got a chance to hold each one of his children born before 1958. Seeing Rhonda and the children's names in his obituary certainly evoked loving memories of beautiful babies. Mrs. Miller, his mother was the mother to everyone, telling them to get out of the street, and to watch their manners. We had a neighborhood in those days, where people sat on the porch and watched out for all the kids in the neighborhood. I will miss Mr. Russell and know that many of us from the "ole" neighborhood will feel a sense of loss because of his passing and his caring sense of neighborliness that is sorely needed in our society today. I for one will cherish the wonderful memories of a kind man.

God bless you all.

Mrs. Rosalie (Middleton) Lane, Huntsville, Alabama.

Janice Washington

January 19, 2008

Runessa, Rossi,Georzell and Family,

I am truly sorry for your loss. Through our friendship,I felt the love your father had for his family. You all were blessed to have had such a great man to call "Daddy". Look to the Lord for strength, and cherish your sweet memories.

carla young-belcher

January 18, 2008

To Rossi and family

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Please know that sweet memories help to ease the pain. I know that you have alot of happy things to remember that will keep your heart peaceful. You were always one of my dearest frinds. Its been a few years since I lost my boy, but I know...!!! I miss you, stay in touch and most of all stay strong.

Friends always!

James Sampson

January 18, 2008

Deepest regrets, the Sampson family

Crystal Wiley

January 18, 2008

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted...Matthew 5:4
To The Lavender Family,
My prayers and thoughts are with you in this time. I love you all.

Viezelle Lavender

January 18, 2008

The memories of a father are priceless. Throught God, you have given me the opportunity of a lifetime. The experience of having a real "FATHER" and "DADDY"! The life and legacy that this Patriach have established is known throughout the nation. There will never be another great man such as my father. Rest now thy good and faithful servant, your job here is done. I will see you with Yusif, Michael & Koleda once again on the other side. Your loving baby girl, Viezelle.

Dionne Green

January 18, 2008

When somebody dies, a cloud turns into an angel, and flies up to tell god to put another flower on a pillow. A bird gives the message back to the world,and sings a silent prayer that makes the rain cry. People disapper, but they never really go away. Remember God will take care of you all and give you rainbows after the storm.

We love you Uncle "Beast",

Jesse McRae

January 17, 2008

Uncle Russell, you and I had a special relationship that, of course, I will never forget. You taught me many things when it was needed and helped shape me into the man that I am today (whether you realized it or not). I had always hoped that I would be there when this time came but I know you understand. I will miss you and remember as you report to God: "Another Ranger reporting sir." From your Marine.

God Bless,

Jesse and family

Cheryl Lavender-Bly

January 17, 2008

I am so sorry to hear of a lost in our family, but God knows best and he has chosen to call one of our loved ones home. To all my cousins, I send my condolences to you. May God bless you all and keep his loving arms around you in your time of need. Rest in peace Uncle Russell.

Vivian Tootle DeVoe

January 17, 2008

My sincere sympathy and condolense on the lost of your loved one. Our prayers for God's comfort for the family.

Cheryl Walker

January 17, 2008

Hi Runessa and Family,

I'm sorry to hear of your lost, just know that God knows best. I use to work with you awhile back.

God Bless.

India Williams

January 17, 2008

We will miss you so much "cousin", you always told us you were too young for us to call you grandaddy.We are very sad too see you go but we know that Nana is very excited to see you, give her a kiss and know that you both will always be two special people in all of our hearts. Love Jamilia, Misty,Crystal,India, Jamal, Myichakilia,Mia,Sabrinah,Hakeem,Jalvin,Jazmine,Jade,Porsha,Alex.

Jeannie We love you uncle "Beast"

January 15, 2008

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008

Deborah McIntosh Vacciana (Carver State Bank)

January 15, 2008

I extend sincere condolences to Rhonda, Russell, Rossie,and the rest of the family during this time of bereavement. I was thinking about Mr. Lavender just the other day and I already miss him. He was always an humble gentleman who frequently made me laugh with his jokes.

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