LaVelle Annette Ellison

LaVelle Annette Ellison, 78, of Gainesville, Texas, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of December 2, 2025, surrounded by family.

Born on March 25, 1947, LaVelle lived a life defined by love, generosity, humor, and quiet strength. She was a devoted mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many.

LaVelle was preceded in death by her beloved daughter Kimberly Ann Meador, her grandson Anthony De'Shon Lovato, and her mother Alma Lillian Barnes, with whom she shared a deep and loving bond. It brings the family comfort to imagine her reunited with all of them now.

She is survived by her children Larry & Leslie Meador, Allison Brown & Jerome Mack, and Anitra & Willie DeJesus, along with many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Barbara, Joyce, Larry, and Alice, each holding a special place in her heart.

LaVelle's life was full of simple joys that reflected her generous spirit. She loved light purple, flowers, and especially rosebushes, which she tended in honor of her daughter Kimmy. She took pride in her yard, winning "Yard of the Week" more than once, and she loved gardening in her younger years.

She was also an exceptional cook. Her famous meatloaf and coconut pie were loved by all who tasted them-meals made with the same love she poured into every relationship. Cooking for others made her happy because she loved seeing people enjoy something she made. And despite the one fruitcake incident the family lovingly agreed never to mention again, she truly had a gift in the kitchen.

One of LaVelle's favorite pastimes was bowling. In the early 1980s, she bowled in local leagues at the old bowling alley on Highway 82, and Thursday nights became a cherished routine. Her kids remember sitting in the arcade with a pocketful of quarters she happily handed them while she bowled with friends. Those years were filled with laughter, friendship, and some very competitive scorekeeping-memories the family still treasures.

LaVelle retired from Peterbilt Motors, where she worked many years and took great pride in her job. She loved going to work, loved her coworkers, and was known for bringing them food as a small way of showing appreciation. She was respected, valued, and deeply proud to have spent her career there.

Though not heavily involved in organized religion, LaVelle believed in God in her own personal way and found comfort in quiet faith throughout her life. The family has asked Pastor Rick to deliver her eulogy.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, Tuesday December 16, 2025 at the Meador Funeral Home in Gainesville with burial to follow at the Fairview Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday, December 15, 2025 at the Meador Funeral Home in Gainesville.

LaVelle loved flowers and plants, and they are welcome. For those who wish to honor her in another way, donations may be made to Angel Hands Hospice, whose compassion brought comfort in her final days. 214-267-1800.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jacob, Cainan, David Lovato, Willie De Jesus, Jerome Mack, and Bryan Bowles.

A Word of Gratitude

The family would like to express heartfelt appreciation to Anitra, Allison, and Anitra's husband Willie, who cared for LaVelle with extraordinary love, patience, and tenderness throughout her final years as she faced Alzheimer's and dementia. Their devotion allowed her to remain surrounded by comfort and dignity, and their service to her will always be remembered with gratitude and love.

Closing Tribute

LaVelle Ellison lived a life full of warmth, kindness, humor, and unwavering love for her family. She taught those around her the meaning of generosity, the importance of showing up for others, and the beauty of finding joy in simple moments. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit lives on in all who loved her.

"She was the wind beneath our wings."