Saturday, September 7, 2024
It’s been a challenging year with our family (siblings’ health issues) and I’m catching up on paperwork and ran across LaVonne’s obituary. Several years ago, I would do computer training/trouble shooting in my clients’ home or office. Lavonne was referred to me and I went to her home several times and helped her with her computer, her photos, and her slide presentations especially on Chattanooga history. My dad was a retired real estate agent (Clyde M. Whisenant, Jr.) who LaVonne had known from her days in real estate. I am also a fellow GPS alumna (‘86). When I would visit her home, I would end up staying several hours and enjoyed our lively conversations so much. She would talk about family, Chattanooga history, shared friends, our dogs, and so much more. She was endlessly interesting and so enthusiastic in everything she did. I admired her desire to do a fabulous job at whatever she was working on. Her passion for Chattanooga history was contagious. After my dad passed away at 89 in 2016, I received a condolence card from LaVonne. A precious card explaining she was so sorry she had missed my dad’s memorial service as there was ice (if I remember correctly) and she couldn’t get her car out of her driveway. I hadn’t seen her in several years. So precious of her to reach out and think of me during the loss of my dad. I’m sorry this message is so late but I just wanted you to know I remember LaVonne so fondly and she was an amazing woman who I admired. I’ll continue to pray as your family approaches the year anniversary of her passing and her welcome into the arms of our Savior. Can you imagine the lively conversations in heaven?!? God bless your family. -Melanie Whisenant Brannan
