Joyce Lavonne Edwards (Trawick), 95, passed away on March 7, 2025, in Thomaston, Georgia.
Born to George Braxton (Brack) and Lola Chastain Trawick on August 3, 1929, in Tampa, Florida, Lavonne lived a life devoted to faith, family, and service. She pursued her education at Paisley School, Umatilla Elementary and Junior High, Hillsborough High School in Tampa, and Stetson University in DeLand. Her passion for teaching led to a career spanning over 50 years, during which she taught in various locations across the United States and abroad, including France and Germany. She began teaching Sunday School at just 15 years old at Jackson Heights Baptist Church in Tampa and continued nurturing young minds well into her late 80s by caring for children in the church nursery. Many of her students still recognized her voice and came to say hey.
Lavonne’s life was deeply intertwined with military service. From the age of 15 until her passing at 95, she was an unwavering supporter of the military community as an Army girlfriend, wife, mother, and grandmother. She stood by her husband, CH (COL) Elwyn G. Edwards, throughout his career as a Baptist pastor and Army Chaplain. Even after his retirement, she remained a steadfast advocate for military families during both peacetime and wartime deployments. A proud Floridian, she took even greater pride in being a Military ID Card holder. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Raised in a strong Christian family, she embraced her relationship with the Lord early on. She worked her way through college with scholarships earned from volunteer church work and later partnered with her husband in ministry. Together, they dedicated their lives to serving God and ensuring their children and grandchildren were raised with faith as their foundation. Her legacy of devotion continues through three generations who carry forward the values she instilled. She is used as an example among many other families, too.
Lavonne is survived by her children Clay (Debby) Edwards and Dawana Edwards; grandchildren Darby Lea Edwards Wisecup (Bret), Nathan Edwards (Amanda), Caitlyn Edwards Price (Blaine), and Shawn Pate (Janalyn) and Jeremiah Pate; great-grandchildren Laela Fynn Wisecup, Lana Belle Wisecup, Aubrey Frances Edwards, Eliza Wynn Edwards, Grayson Hayes Price, and Anieryn Wilder Wisecup; as well as many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Among them are Jeaneen Hurst Hollingsworth (George), Charlotte Hurst Brown (John), Linda Stephens DeForrest (John), Randy Stephens (Michelle), Lauri Edwards, Randy Edwards (Shannon), and David Edwards (Angie). She was preceded in death by her treasured husband Elwyn G. Edwards; parents George Braxton ("Brack") and Lola Chastain Trawick; beloved sisters Jean Trawick Hurst and Jo Trawick Stephens; and great-grandson Levi Weston Edwards.
Beyond her roles as a teacher and mentor, Lavonne was the heart of her family. She taught those around her how to live with love and purpose. She built self-esteem into so many young children over the years. She instilled values of self-reliance and perseverance while also ensuring that those she loved knew how deeply they were cherished. Family gatherings at the “River Country” house on the Homosassa were filled with warmth—her fried chicken was legendary (even better than Lola’s!), as were her tomatoes and dressing, chicken and yellow rice, and spaghetti. But more than anything else, she left behind a legacy of faith that will continue through generations.
A memorial service will be held on March 13, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Crystal River in Crystal River, Florida. Visitation will begin at 09:30 AM, followed by the service at 10:00 AM. A committal service will take place later that day at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell at 12:30 PM.
Lavonne lived a life of unwavering faith and dedication to those she loved. Her example remains a guiding light for all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to those who mourn her passing while celebrating the incredible life she lived.
In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to Gideon’s International in Lavonne’s continuing desire to spread the Gospel through the Scriptures. Thank you.
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