Lavada Nell Austin Cossey (Tate) departed this life on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2018, at the age of 86 years. She was born on July 23, 1931, the daughter of Tilda Jane Barrier Austin White and George Earlen Austin. On Jan. 24, 1948, Lavada was united in marriage to Berlon A. Cossey, who preceded her in death on Feb. 3, 1998. She was a hardworking farmer’s wife and worked for a long time at Garan Manufacturing in Adamsville, Tennessee, but her last job brought her the most joy, babysitter. She helped raise seven grandchildren and more children in the neighborhood. She attended Forest Ridge Union Church in her younger years and in her later years, she attended White’s Creek Freewill Baptist Church. Lavada’s favorite Bible verse was Psalm 23.
Survivors are Gail Murphy (Robert), Tommy Cossey (Patsy), Peggy Morris (Marshal), Barbara Franks (Maynard), and Gary Cossey; grandchildren, Tim Murphy, Michael Murphy, Rodney Cossey, Tonya Longshore, Michelle McFall, Norman Morris, Amanda Lambert, Sharon Owens, Angie Cossey (Smith), Amelia Biggers, and Shane Biggers; and great-grandchildren, Taylor, Mollie, Parker and Savannah Murphy, Zac and Lane Longshore, Skyler and Torri Mcfall, Abbie, Emma and Maddie Morris, Caroline, Elijah, Catherine, Clara and Cora Lambert, Anna, Leah, Sarah and JC Owens, Aiden Biggers, and Allie and Alana Lavada Smith.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Berlon A. Cossey; her brothers, Junior, Douglas and Tony White and George Luther Austin; and her stepfather, Oliver White.
The family would like to say a thank you to Dr. Ferrin Bayles and the ECM staff, Palliative Care nurses, Amedisys Home Health Care nurses, Walnut Grove first responders, and EVAC airlift service.
Pallbearers are Tim Murphy, Michael Murphy, Taylor Murphy, Parker Murphy, Rodney Cossey, Norman Morris, Shane Biggers, and Skylar McFall.
Honorary pallbearers are Brian Longshore, Barry McFall, Chris Owens, and Jerome Lambert.
Services will be held on Jan. 25, 2018, at 1 p.m. at Shackelford Funeral Directors of Savannah in Savannah, Tennessee with Johnny Banks officiating. Burial will follow in the Hollands Creek Cemetery at Savannah, Tennessee.
