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Lavada Marie Wilson Sain

Lavada Marie Wilson Sain died in her home in South Daytona on February 24, 2022. She was born on March 8, 1932, in Lincolnton, North Carolina, to Evan Morris Wilson and Nell Harris Wilson. She grew up in Cleveland County and graduated from Shelby High School. She attended Appalachian State University and also Lenoir-Rhyne, where she received a bachelor's degree in elementary education. Later she earned a master's degree from Florida Technological University (now UCF).

In 1952 she married Daniel Dennis Sain, son of Dennis and Cora Sain, from Belwood, NC. In 1953 daughter Danita Marie was born, and son David Evan came along in 1956. The family moved frequently while Daniel served as a pastor in the United Methodist Church. Lavada enjoyed her role as a "preacher's wife," an honor and title she cherished all her life. In 1964 Lavada and family moved to Daytona Beach, Florida.

Lavada began her teaching career at Ponce de Leon Elementary in Decatur, Georgia. Her Daytona Beach teaching adventure began at Hurst Elementary in 1964. She also taught at South Ridgewood, South Daytona, a private school, and once again at Hurst, from where she retired in 1993. Lavada especially loved teaching reading, and she often helped children out of school who were struggling. A life-long teacher and learner, Lavada taught Spanish to a small group of friends after she retired.

Lavada had many interests and talents. Playing the piano was a particular joy. She began lessons at an early age and later taught her daughter to play. She cherished her piano and played up until her last days. Other fun activities included painting, playing board games, eating out, laughing at corny jokes, telling stories about the good ol' days, visiting antique shops, and collecting figurines--especially frogs. Cooking delicious meals for her family and friends was a highlight of her life as well.

Sightseeing was an exciting adventure for Lavada. The family traveled to many US areas, as well as to Canada and the Bahamas. Lavada and her husband visited many other destinations: Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, Russia, and the Middle East. A requirement for Lavada's trips was a guidebook in which she checked off each place visited. When the grandchildren came along, she and her husband continued exploring with them. Whether it was a trip to the Bahamas; Holland, Michigan; the Gaylord-Palms; or the local post office; every experience was a special adventure to savor and remember.

Lavada moved to Jacksonville to stay with her daughter and her family after her home was flooded in Hurricane Irma. She loved walking in the neighborhood and getting to know her neighbors. She was always on the lookout for yard sales and loved to pick up a special treasure from a neighbor. She had a special eye for colored leaves and could often be seen picking them up on her walks. She appreciated the rich colors and intricate patterns in each and every leaf, just as she appreciated the uniqueness and value in each and every person she knew. Her greatest joy in life came from spending time with her family.

Lavada is predeceased by her parents, her husband, and her sister Bertha Wilson Stone. She is survived by her daughter Danita Sain Stokes (Stan); her son David (Laura) Sain; six grandchildren: Amanda Sain, Stephen Stokes, Michelle Sain Saba (Ken), Phillip Stokes (Taylor), Melissa Sain, and Matthew Sain (Courtney); and six great grandchildren: Coraline and Mariam Stokes; Mayer, Cooper, and August Sain; and Madeleine Saba.

A memorial service will be held at St. Peters United Methodist Church in Belwood, NC, on Saturday, May 14 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation at 10:00 a.m.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home & Cremation Center.


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