Evelyn “Lavern” Eason, age 96, passed away on April 15, 2026, in Lexington, Tennessee.
She was born on June 14, 1929, in Henderson County to the late Benjamin F. Thomas and Bennie Mae Williams Thomas. As the oldest of five siblings, Lavern learned the value of hard work early in life, helping her father on the family farm, working with a plow and mules.
Lavern was married to the late Riley R. “Doc” Eason. In 1970, they moved to Southaven, Mississippi, and later returned to Lexington in the early 1990s. Riley was a Shriner, and Lavern was an active member of the Shrinettes and the Eastern Star.
She was a faithful member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church. Lavern had a deep love for travel and adventure and was always ready to go at a moment’s notice. Her adventurous spirit carried her through many memorable experiences—riding a roller coaster in Las Vegas at age 76, parasailing in Gulf Shores and going hot air ballooning in her early 80s, and even four-wheeling in Utah at the age of 86.
She is survived by her son, Larry Eason (Dianne); her sister, Geninda Speer; six grandchildren, Kevin Eason (Lisa), Kelly Pearson (Chad), Jennifer Huffman (Les), Jana Ross, Jada Taylor (Dave), and Adam Ross (Amanda); eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Riley “Doc” Eason; two daughters, Janice Gourley and Deborah Ross; her brother, Finis Thomas; and her sisters, Mary Butler and Oneida Stanton.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Poplar Springs Baptist Church, with interment to follow at Independence Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM on Saturday at the church.
Lavern will be remembered for her strong spirit, warm heart, and her enduring love for family and life.
