Billie Bess Lancaster Lavender (September 23rd, 1930 – November 8th, 2025)

Billie Bess Lancaster Lavender, Age 95 of Greensboro, Alabama, passed away on November 8, 2025, at the Hale County Hospital.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00am, Wednesday, November 12,2025, at Greensboro Baptist Church (908 Main Street, Greensboro, Alabama 36744) with Bro. Dee McGuire and Bro. Tim Douglas officiating. Magnolia Chapel South will be directing. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 am, with the service to follow at Greensboro Baptist Church. Following the service and visitation, the burial will follow at Havana Methodist Church ( County Rd 37, Moundville, Alabama 35474)

She is preceded in death by her husband, SSG Francis M. Lavender "Frank" Lavender III (U.S. Army - Retired). She is also preceded in death by her parents E. Valcus and Emma Mae Carnathan Lancaster; sisters, Reet Langston (Jim), Catherine Shepherd (Andrew); brother-in-law, Joe Montgomery; aunts, Aline Chism and Earline Ratliff; grandmother, Jureda Noland Carnathan, as well as all other loved ones who have preceded her in death.

She is survived by her children, Frank M. Lavender IV (Diane) of Greensboro, AL; Faye Lavender Roberson (Keith) of Gulf Shores, AL; Jerry Lavender (Cynthia) of Greensboro, AL; Ann Douglas (Tim) Vincent, AL; her sister, Glenda Montgomery of York, AL, as well as nieces and nephews.

Grandchildren: Chelsea Kay Lavender Payne (Taylor), Jerry Wayne Lavender, Jr. (Brittney), Thomas Jason Lavender (Catie), Jessica Leigh Lavender Tinsley (Cal), James Wesley Douglas, Timothy Chase Douglas (Willow), Step-granddaughter Emily Roberson.

Great Grandchildren: Avett William Payne, Amelia Marion Payne, Adlee Lavender Payne, Thomas Levi Lavender, Elleigh Grace Lavender, Lyla Catherine Lavender, Jerry Wayne Lavender III "Tripp", Brooklyn Leigh Tinsley, Ashton Joseph "AJ" Tinsley, Jordan Calvin Tinsley, Owen Wayne Tinsley, Juniper Kaye Douglas, Olive Ann Douglas, Cedar Timothy Douglas.

Billie Bess Lancaster Lavender was born on September 23, 1930, in Pickens County, Alabama, and grew up in Northport, Alabama. and was a member of Northport Baptist Church. She graduated from Tuscaloosa County High in 1948 and worked at the Tuscaloosa Department of Pensions & Security. In 1956, she married Francis Marion Lavender III, and they made their home in Greensboro, Alabama.

She was a cherished member of the Greensboro Baptist Church for over 40 years and had volunteered to teach Sunday school there for many years. Some of her fondest memories were her Sunday school class and praising her Savior through beautiful music with the Greensboro Baptist Church Choir. She loved her church family and was such a blessing to everyone who knew her.

She is known as Grandmother, Billie Grandma, MeMomma, and BB. The Lavender family is especially grateful for the assistance provided for our dear mother by Dr. Jeff Laubenthal, Stephanie, and the staff at West Alabama Family Practice, Hale County Hospital, and Southern Care New Beacon. We are so grateful for her caregivers/friends, Ollie Williams, Mildred Williams, and Pat Clinton, as they brought much sunshine to "Granny's" life. Billie appreciated that so much, as she was a caregiver to many people throughout her life.

She always treated others the way she wanted to be treated - a living testimony of love and faith. (Matthew 7:12). She was a woman of unwavering belief, whose love for the lord showed through every aspect of her life, where she found joy in prayer, strength in scripture, and peace in the promise of eternal life. Her family will be forever grateful for this foundation she so gracefully blessed us with.

Pallbearers: Taylor Payne, Wesley Douglas, Chase Douglas, Jerry Wayne Lavender, Jason Lavender, and Cal Tinsley.

Honorary Pallbearers: Her Greensboro Baptist Church family and Sunday School Class.

In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Greensboro Baptist Church (908 Main Street, Greensboro, Alabama 36744) or Havana Methodist Church (715 Co Rd 37, Moundville, AL 35474).