Lavonne Alice Koch, 72 of Navarre, FL passed away Monday July 20, 2020.

Lavonne Alice Koch was born in Mobile, AL on April 24, 1948 to Leslie and Catherine Smith. As the oldest daughter she helped with the raising of her younger siblings and nurtured a strong love for family from an early age. While playing hooky from a youth church meeting she ended up meeting the love of her life, and shortly after graduating from Mary G. Montgomery High School in Semmes, AL, she married Richard C. Koch on August 20, 1966. As a Coast Guard wife she lived in Massachusetts, Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Washington State, Hawaii and Rhode Island. She raised a son and daughter who can attest to the fact that their mother had the patience of a saint and was amazing example of unconditional love. After 20 years as a military wife, they returned to Pensacola, FL and then moved to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. After one year in Saudi Arabia they moved back to Pensacola, FL, where she was finally able to hone her skills as the world's greatest grandmother. They eventually moved to Mettairre, LA until she couldn't stand Mardi Gras anymore and then finally settled in Navarre, FL to be closer to her grandchildren and parents. Lavonne took pleasure in traveling throughout the United States and was also able to visit Germany, The Netherlands, Canada, Portugal and Honduras. In her early career she was employed as a florist and was proud to have made several floral arrangements for Elvis Presley's funeral while living in Memphis, TN. She attended classes at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom and the University of Hawaii in bookkeeping before working as a bookkeeper for Freemans Office Supply in East Providence, RI; Public Gas Co., ES Marine Co. in Pensacola, FL and finally Richard Koch Marine Consulting Company in Navarre, FL before retirement. She enjoyed many varied activities during her life such as playing tennis and was a certified scuba diver. She was a talented gardener and spent many hours planning and cultivating her beautiful flower gardens. She was an avid reader and skilled Mah-Jongg player. Lavonne loved Christmas and shopping and would combine them both to plan a Black Friday shopping excursion, recruiting multiple family members, like a general going into battle. She was raised with love of faith and developed a commitment of community service. As a resident of Navarre, FL, Lavonne was an active member of Navarre United Methodist Church and volunteered at The Good Neighbor Thrift Store and the We Care Program. She was also the current vice president of the Holley Navarre Senior Center. She valued being able to assist women and elderly community members who were in a need of financial and emotional support. Her greatest gift and passion was providing love and care as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, neighbor, grandmother, and soon-to-be great grandmother.

Lavonne is preceded in death by her mother, Catherine Smith and nephew, Bert Smith.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Koch of Navarre, FL; father, Leslie Smith, Sr. of Pensacola, FL; son, Bruce Koch of Navarre, FL; daughter, Ricki Vitito of Navarre, FL; granddaughter, Alexandria Lein of Milton, FL; grandson, Adam Koch of Fort Walton Beach, FL; brother, Leslie Smith of Dahlonega, GA; sister, Nancy O'Shea of Pensacola, FL; brother, Kyle Smith of Pensacola, FL; sister Tammy Williams of Birmingham, AL and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Private Family Graveside Service at Barrancas National Cemetery with Dr. Alan McBride, Senior Pastor of Navarre United Methodist Church officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Navarre United Methodist Church, 9474 Navarre Parkway, Navarre, FL 32566 and/or Holley Navarre Senior Center, P O Box 5413, Navarre, FL 32566.

Thank you for all the support and prayers from Navarre United Methodist Church and Holley Navarre Senior Center.