It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lavon VanBuskirk on October 20, 2024. Born, Callie Lavon Harper, on July 9, 1936, she was a woman of strength, love, and dry humor. Renowned for her fierce independence, she was a rock to those who knew her, and her unwavering love for her family served as an inspiration to all.
Callie was predeceased by her parents, James and Daisy Harper, her sister, Tessie Hedger, her spouse, Frank McGee, SR, and her ex-husbands, John Brink and John VanBuskirk. She was also predeceased by her Aunt, Osie Mae Hess, her Uncles, Carmen and Duncan Faulkner, her Grandmother, Callie Faulkner, her Grandfather, Robert Faulkner, her Granddaughter, Lexie Davis, and her niece, Jan Whittington.
Callie’s love and memory live on through her children, Delite Leake and spouse David Leake their six children, and three great grand-children, Frank McGee and wife Karen McGee, John-John VanBuskirk, Josh VanBuskirk and wife Amy Marie VanBuskirk and his 3 children, and Arron VanBuskirk and her two surviving children. She is also survived by her sister Jessie Whittington, her Niece, Deanna Whittington Rousset, her Nephew, Mark Hawthorne, her Niece Melody Hedger, Niece, Holly Shewmake,and former daughter-in-law Debbie McGee.
Her grandchildren, Jesse, Amouree', Crystle, and Logun Kimball, Katherine Brink, Daren Leake, Tanner Davis, Michael and Callie McGee, Harlow VanBuskirk, Mackenzie Davis, her great-grandchildren, Ashton McGee, Marli Tipton, Brylee McGee, Levi McGee, Hunter McGee, Bentley Brown, Laney Brown, Nova Driggers, Jade Yassi, Maze Yassi, and her great, great-grandchildren, Hardin Jay Tipton, Everly Aeron Tipton will remember their grandmother for her firm yet loving nature.
Callie was a proud attendee at the Methodist Church in Bogata, Texas. She had simple pleasures in life, enjoying a Dr. Pepper or a BBQ from Outlaws in Mt. Pleasant, and found joy in watching birds, deer, and other wildlife from home, her preferred vacation spot. Callie's tastes in music and literature were expansive, though some highlights include "You Are My Sunshine," "Red River Valley," "Mockin' Bird Hill," and the book "All Around Cowboys With a Limp."
Her personality was marked by a dry sense of humor and she has been described as a loving yet firm, independent woman. Some of her life lessons included taking care of family and forgiving where one can, but never forgetting. A proud mother and grandmother, Lavon's legacy will continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great great-grandchildren.
The legacy Lavon leaves behind is one of love and dedication. An entrepreneur and a pillar of her community, she actively sought to help as many people as she could. She will be remembered fondly for her dedication to her family and strong work ethic. Rest in peace, Momma. Your memory will forever be cherished in our hearts.