Lavell Jeanette Churchwell

Lavell Jeanette Churchwell was born on August 29, 1956, in Ocala, FL. She was the sixth of eight children born to Chester and Frances Churchwell. She received her formal education at Dunnellon High School in Dunnellon, Florida, graduating in 1974, and went on to initially attend Central Florida Community College before enrolling at Florida A&M University (FAMU) where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in History with minors in Political Science and Education.

Following graduation from FAMU in 1979, she moved to Gainesville, FL where she worked within the fields of education and childcare for many years before eventually embarking on a career in medical supplies & equipment distribution as an Operations Supervisor at McKesson in the Atlanta, GA area. Lavell was a diligent soul in all she did, earning many honors and achievement awards during her working career. After celebrating her retirement in the summer of 2021, she elected to resettle back in Gainesville.

Lavell was a woman of great faith. She accepted Christ at an early age and joined Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church in Dunnellon, Florida. Later, she was baptized into Christ in 1983 and became a member of the Crossroads Church of Christ in Gainesville, Florida. Later, she would serve as a faithful, committed Christian in the Atlanta Church of Christ in Atlanta, Georgia, the North River Church of Christ in Marietta, Georgia, and the Campus View Church of Christ in Gainesville Florida. In her walk of faith, she developed many close friendships throughout the years, especially with Jacque and Bob Keen, and their children, Alicia and Brandon, a strong bond that would last a lifetime.

Lavell was a caring, empathetic, and kindhearted person with an undeniably pure soul. She was a loyal friend and servant to many. For years she was an avid volunteer in childrens' ministries in both Gainesville and Atlanta, and you could always count on her to "love-up" on your kids. She was always willing to serve others, even if it meant significant sacrifice on her part. Many, many people have commented on how much Lavelle meant to them and that they'll miss her greatly.

Lavell was an avid reader and passionate sports fan. In fact, she loved all things University of Florida and was a die-hard Gator fan through and through. She was also a big fan of the music of Celine Dion and Michael Jackson. She often played MJ at full volume and danced through the house whenever she was doing weekly chores.

The Lord called Lavell home on September 17, 2022 at 9:16 a.m. after living a peacefully productive life showing love, kindness and friendship to all who encountered her.

Lavell was preceded in death by her parents, Chester Churchwell and Frances Southerland Wright Churchwell. Her celebration of life will be remembered by her sisters Gladys Combs of Rainbow Springs, FL and Estelle Thomas of Orlando, FL; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, an uncle and cherished friends.