Odetta (Dee) Lavender

Lavender Odetta May (Dee), 85, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, January 9, 2019. She was born in Gridley, Kansas on January 30, 1933 to Roy Shelton and Mary Judith (May) Gilliam. She loved Jesus, was full of joy, and always the life of the party. She is preceded in death by her husband, John Lavender. Survived by son Cary (Susan), daughters Susan (Raymond Abrams, Jr.), and Laura; niece Dana Dietz who was like a daughter to her; granddaughter Shawn Abrams, all of Wichita; and grandson Raymond (Deirdra) Abrams III, great-grandson Kobe Saunders, all of Tulsa; brother, Roy (Jean) Gilliam of Independence, Missouri; and many precious relatives, all of whom she loved dearly. Visitation 6-8:00 p.m., Friday, Broadway Mortuary. Funeral service 10:30 a.m. First Evangelical Free Church, 1825 N. Woodlawn, Wichita, KS. A memorial has been established with Homestead Health Center Activities Department Fund, 3122 S. Elizabeth St., Wichita, KS 67213. Share condolences at www.CozineMemorial.com. Broadway Mortuary.