WILMINGTON — Lavonda Ruth Shiflett Creech, 86, of Wilmington, NC, passed away on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, in Thomasville, where she had lived with her daughter, Rita, and her son-in-law, Darrell, since August 2021.
Lavonda was born June 24, 1935, in Grottoes, Virginia, the sixth and last child of Fred Hobart and Mattie Hesper Ashwell Shiflett. She was preceded in death by her parents, her five siblings and their spouses, her husband, Melvin Wilson Creech, her daughter, Vicki Creech Williams, and her grandson, Justin Alexander Creech.
Lavonda met Melvin at a church service in Norfolk, Va., and they were married on September 1, 1954. Melvin and Lavonda celebrated 63 years of marriage when Melvin passed away in 2018. Lavonda worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance throughout her career, while helping to raise their three children, Steve, Rita, and Vicki. Their family made several moves throughout the years, living in Norfolk, Rocky Mount (NC), many years in Wilmington, then Greenville (SC), Chesapeake (VA), and finally back to Wilmington, which was like coming home.
Lavonda and Melvin were members of The Church of God and dedicated their lives to serving God and the Church, holding various leadership positions and working in camps and conventions for many years. They traveled doing mission work in Belize, Mexico, Honduras, and other locations. Lavonda was the church organist, designed and printed the church bulletin, taught Sunday School, and provided transportation to other members in their church — all even while in her 80’s. Lavonda’s many talents included playing piano and organ (and at one time, the accordion!), knitting, sewing, and cooking. She worked tirelessly to serve in many ways.
Lavonda was known for her quick wit and humor, always bringing laughter or getting a smile. She “told it like it is,” so you always knew where she stood. Her daughters and granddaughter enjoyed wonderful times of shopping together and, as her family grew, she recorded every special birthday and anniversary and never failed to have a gift or mail a card with birthday cash. Lavonda enjoyed reading and learning, especially her Bible, taking meticulous notes and keeping records. She taught herself many skills on the computer and had four Facebook accounts!
Lavonda is survived by her son, Steve Wilson Creech (Karen) of Richmond, VA.; daughter, Dr. Rita Creech Haire (Darrell) of Thomasville, NC; son-in-law James Steele Williams, III, of Wilmington, NC; eleven dear grandchildren; fifteen precious great-grandchildren; one expected great-granddaughter – who will be her namesake, Ashtyn “Ruth;” and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 1:50 p.m. on Sunday, April 3, 2022, at The Church of God, 246 Middle Sound Loop Road, Ogden, and the service will follow at 2:00 p.m., with their beloved former pastor officiating, Brenda O’Dell. A private graveside service will be held by the family.
The family extends special thanks to Lavonda’s caregivers, Tammy Holland, Linda Lee, Linda Chase, and the dear Diane Glover, who cared for “Miss Lavonda” up until the day of her death. Special thanks also go to Amedisys Hospice for the wonderful care they provided, particularly Laura, and Karen. “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction …” James 1:27a (KJV).
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Andrews Mortuary, Wilmington. Please sign the online Guestbook at www.andrewsmortuary.com
