Edith Lavonne Elliston

Edith Lavonne Everett (Lavonne) Elliston was born on September 5, 1931, in Waco, Texas to Reverend JD and Gladys Everett. Services will be Saturday, May 6 at 10 am at First Baptist Church Woodway. Burial will follow at Rosemound Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, May 5, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral in the Garden Room.

She married James Vinson (Jim) Elliston on June 8, 1949, after his return from WWII. Her father baptized Jim in 1939 and performed their marriage ceremony in the Spring Street Baptist Church. She was a devoted wife and loving companion for over 43 years of marriage before Jim predeceased her on March 25th, 1993. They raised three sons, David, Gary, and Randy who she loved and encouraged to her last breath. She never grew tired of proclaiming her pride in her boys as well as her fondness and gratitude for her daughters-in-law: Janis, Molli, and Karen for the love and support they gave her and her sons. Her grandchildren Keith, Kevin, Clark, Tyler, Rachel, Ashley, and Brooks were loved beyond measure by their Memommy. The great grandchildren Tanner, Addison, Avery, Caroline, Will, Simon, Rachael, Caleb, Olivia, Eleanor, Hattie, Meg, Sam, Mallory, and Conrad were a special delight. She cherished and reveled in the company of her immediate and extended family. In forty-three years of marriage, 3 decades of widowhood, and 7 decades of Motherhood, she was never heard to utter a negative word about her family or maybe they were just so rare that none can be remembered.

In the later years of Jim’s life, she prospered as a businesswoman with Home Interiors while caring for him as he coped with cancer. She was a master negotiator with customers, friends, and family alike. She never shied away from hard work and loved the friendships generated through years of display parties. She loved her Lord Jesus Christ and her church family at First Woodway Baptist Church. She treasured any time she could decorate, arrange flowers, work in her yard, or surround herself with family. She and devoted companion Kay Berry attended every home Baylor basketball and football game as long as her physical stamina would allow. She and Kay were so recognized by the attendees, ushers, and ticket takers, that tickets seemed an unnecessary formality. She loved her neighbors who thoughtfully checked in to help and care for her until she moved to The Landing in Frisco where she quickly established another community of friends.

Blessed with a wonderful spirit and beautiful voice, she was devout, devoted, determined, and content. She was loved and admired by those who had the privilege to know her. She made us all better until her body could not keep pace with her unflagging spirit. On May 3 2023, at the age of ninety-one, she went home to her reward; to rest in the embrace of her creator and “walk over heaven…where all things are new” with her beloved Jim.

She is survived by David and Janis Elliston of Frisco, Gary and Molli Elliston of Dallas, Randy and Karen Elliston of Georgetown; 7 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by Jim, her beloved parents, and brother A.L. Everett.