Ella Catherlene Lavender Creel, 95, passed away Saturday, June 3, 2023, in a skilled nursing facility in Pensacola, FL.

Catherlene was born on March 12, 1928, in Lauderdale, MS. As a teenager, Catherlene moved with her family to Pensacola, where she became a long-time member of the East Hill Baptist Church and served as church secretary. She married Dewey on March 28, 1958. Years later, Catherlene and Dewey moved to Mobile, AL, where they became members of the Spring Hill Baptist Church, and she served as church receptionist. Catherlene and Dewey operated the Lois-Ann Florist in Mobile. They returned to Pensacola when they retired and became members of the First Baptist Church of Pensacola.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Leon Dewey Creel, Jr.; her parents, James Edward Lavender and Verna Beulah Eakin Lavender; two sisters, Nannie Evelyn Lavender Wendt and Mary Eleanor Lavender Pelham; as well as a brother, Frank Willard Lavender.

She is survived by her son, Brian Steven Creel, of Troy, AL; her niece, Brenda Jo Lavender Martin, of Pensacola, FL, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5:00pm until a Memorial Service to begin at 6:00pm Friday, June 9, 2023, at the Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, 2276 Airport Blvd., Pensacola, FL.

The family wishes to thank the staff of The Haven of Our Lady of Peace.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Samaritan Hands Ministry of First Baptist Church of Pensacola, (850) 433-5631, or to your favorite charity.