Maxine Knight Lavender

Maxine Knight Lavender passed away Friday, March 5, 2010. She was born January 19, 1928 to Herman and Lucille (Dunn) Knight in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Maxine grew up in the Catoosa area and graduated from Catoosa High School. There she met Robert Lavender. They were married December 22, 1945. Robert and Maxine moved to Oklahoma City in 1965 when Robert was appointed as a justice on the State Supreme Court.

While a homemaker and raising four children Maxine decided to continue her education. She graduated with honors from Central State University earning a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1970 and a Master of Education in 1971. She went on to obtain certification for elementary education learning disabilities, visually impaired, deaf-blind, and multi-handicapped at East Central University.

Maxine worked as a Child Development specialist at the Child Study Center, Children’s Hospital for about twenty years. Upon retiring she then served as a consultant in surrounding school districts for the blind and visually impaired. Maxine was an active member of numerous professional organizations. Among many awards, she was honored as the Oklahoma Special Educator of the year in 1988. Maxine’s life passion was devoted to helping children with special needs. She was an inspiration to all who knew her and she touched countless lives.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, Herman Knight and Lucille Knight Haynes; brother Herman Knight, Jr.; and son Robert Knight Lavender. Maxine is survived by her husband, Robert E. Lavender with whom she shared 64 years of happiness and adventures; her sister Kathryn Carr and husband Robert of Bentonville, Arkansas; daughters: Linda Courter and husband Dean of Ventura, California and Debra Merrill and husband Tom of Norman, Oklahoma; son William J Lavender and wife Kelly of Oklahoma City; grandchildren: Alan Courter, Melissa and husband David Flores, Laura Courter, Emily Merrill, Amy Merrill, Steven Merrill, Lexi Lavender, Lindsey Lavender, Alex Lavender; great granddaughter Jaylee Lavender; and numerous nephews and nieces. Maxine was loved dearly by all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. John Krodel, the Grace Living Center of Norman staff, and Good Shepherd Hospice for their kindness and care.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at The Village United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City, where Robert and Maxine have been members for many years. Memorial contributions may be made in Maxine’s name to Oklahoman’s for Special Library Services â€" AIM Center. Please send to: Library for the Blind, 300 NE 18th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73105.

Submitted by family