May 31, 1934 — Jul 18, 2026
Lavada Holley Allen passed away peacefully on July 18, 2026, at the age of 92. Born on May 31, 1934, in Early County, Georgia, to the late Clarence and Chloe Effie Houston Harper.
The family will be receiving family and friends on Monday July 20, 2026, from 5PM – 7PM at the residence of Rhonda Downing 2500 Lake Douglas Road Bainbridge, Ga. 39819.
The family will receive friends and family on Tuesday July 21, 2026, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Manry Jordan Hodges Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday July 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Manry Jordan Hodges Funeral Home with Minister James Rogers officiating and Eddie Pratt leading congregational singing.
Interment will follow in the Blakely Cemetery with the following serving as pall bearers: Mike McKee, Kevin DeLine, Clayton Downing, Justin Downing, Don Harper, Mike Harper and Ed Harper.
On December 12, 1951, Lavada married Byron W. Holley, who passed away in 1986. In 1990, she married B Frank Allen, who passed away in 2006.
Lavada was a devoted homemaker and loved her family dearly. She worked at the Early County Elementary as a Library Paraprofessional and volunteered with the Gray Ladies. Later, she volunteered as a library assistant at Hutto Middle School in Bainbridge.
She was a member of the Bainbridge Church of Christ and most recently attended the Blakely and Hentown Church of Christ.
Lavada is survived by her children: Stan (Marie) Holley of Lutz, Fl. and Rhonda (Randy) Downing of Bainbridge, Ga. Her grandchildren are Cara (Mike), Laura (Kevin), Clayton and Justin (Heather). Great grandchildren, Harper, Hudson, Grant, Saks, Avery and Palmer. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Annette and Peggy Harper. She leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews and many great nieces and great nephews.
She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Clarence Harper, Jr., M H Harper, Edgar Buren Harper, James Edward Harper, Grady “Shorty” Holman Harper, and twins Ray and Rafee Harper.
The family would like to thank Gwen Williams and the Heritage Inn Staff; Darlene Perkins, Dorothy Wimberly, Pat Owens, Dr. Vincent Barker, Early Memorial Staff; and Becky Maestas and Kelly Bush of Georgia Hospice for their dedication and compassion toward their mother during her last years and recent illness. A special thank you to Gayle and Don Harper, and to Mary Jean Taylor, for their love and assistance during her time at Heritage Inn and in her final days.
Florals are accepted or charity donations may be made to the Raintree Village Inc (Children’s Home), 3757 Johnston Road Valdosta, Ga. 31601-9974
Arrangements are provided by Manry Jordan Hodges Funeral Home, Blakely, Ga.
