Lavon Marie Rankin McDonaldson

Lavon Marie Rankin McDonaldson, 81, of Grottoes, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2026 at her home.

She was born on June 10, 1944, and was a daughter of the late James Rankin, Sr, and Myrtle (Raynes) Murray.

Lavon was united in marriage on June 9, 1962 to Leroy W. McDonaldson, who preceded her in death on March 20, 2012.

Lavon is survived by five children, Patricia (Chris) Hunsaker, Alisa (Billy) Randolph, Tina (Jeff) McDonaldson, Sharon (Ricky) Simmons, and Karen (Jeff) Knott; twelve grandchildren, Dawn (Mike) Stroppel, Candi (Denny) Jerrells, CW (Jess) Roberts, English Knott, Bryan Randolph, EJ Thompson, Chelsea (Cory) Thompson, Natasha (Nick) Bagwell, Brittany (Aron) Knott, Josh Simmons, Aliyah (Cam) Clem, and Xion Knott; 17 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; special sister-in-law, Ethel "Nia" Cook; beloved pet, Missy.

She is also preceded in death by sisters, Kathleen Morris, Charleen Shifflett, Geneva McDonaldson, and Anna Mae Lam; brothers, Prentice "Bunk", Alvin, James Jr., and Dallas "Dot" Rankin; a great-great-granddaughter, Kinley Rose Jerrells.

A memorial service celebrating Lavon's life will be held at 11 AM on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Grottoes, with Pastor Shawn Cook officiating. The family will receive friends one-hour prior to the service.

Family would like to thank her caregivers, Alisa, Sharon, Karen, Dawn, Candi, Tasha, Aliyah, Riley, Brittany, Gaven, Brooke, and Lisa Dean.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grottoes Rescue Squad, and/or First Choice Hospice.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at johnsonfs.com.