Lavenna (Lou) Beach, age 90, died Wednesday morning, February 17, 2021 in the Meadows residence, a caring and loving community at the Courtyards Senior Living in Knoxville. She was born in Stone, Kentucky, September 1, 1930 to Arthur and Belva (Centers) Duncan. She is the oldest of seven children. She was married to George (‘Ady’) Vowell in Lake City, Tennessee in 1947 and was married for 44 years. They lived half of that time on the coastline of southern California. After George’s death she was remarried to Charles A. Beach, for 19 years. After his passing in 2011 she continued with her hobbies and crafting. She loved her family and loved to plant flowers. She played piano in her younger years and was very active in several churches in California while residing there for many years. Lou has worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Clinton, Tennessee in the mid 80’s to early 90’s. Lou loved her elder residents in her care through those years. She is preceded in death by her brothers, Harry Duncan and Austin Duncan also by her sister Patty Duncan and grandchildren, Aaron Vowell and Michaela Buckner. She is survived by her brother Jim Duncan (wife Donna), her sisters Gloria Norfalise and Myra Crawford all in Anderson County and sister-in-law Dorothy Duncan in Lee’s Summitt, Mo. She also leaves two sons, Ron Vowell (wife Gigmar) and Randy Vowell (wife Mary) along with two daughters, Rhonda Beffre (husband Gene) and Robin Hoffman. Lou had 10 grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren. She will be missed by all who loved her. She will be laid to rest in Leach Cemetery, Lake City next to her husband, George. The family will have a graveside service at a later date.
So sorry for your loss, Sergeant Beffre. Our love and condolences to you and all your family.
Aunt Lou was there for me when a dog mauled me in 1970 and again in 1982 when I was drinking too much and driving too fast. Her passing reminds me that small encounters with the right person can alter the arch of ones life. My heart is full of joy for her next adventure and reunion with Patty, Harry and my Dad even as I know the grief her family feels right now.
We’re so sorry for your loss…we always love listening to the stories about your mom Rhonda….you and you’re family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for leaving kind messages here. (I’m finding out that most everyone has linked into FB and sent messages through that media.) Mom had a very full life and was making the best of what she had left. She was tough and suffered through Covid and survived. It was a challenge for her to have such a drastic change at the beginning of 2017 when she began her residency at ‘Courtyards.’ The care she received was exactly what she needed and we knew she was safe. She was very social at that point and enjoyed the many activities, games and field trips with her new friends. We had no idea she would find a dancing partner who lived there. When outings included music she danced until the song was over. Mom grew to love the new family she was part of. We are also grateful to the people who visited her from time to time and brought craft materials and things she wanted (especially her favorite beverage, ‘Pepsi’ 🙂 …. Her spirit lives in another realm now and we will miss her.
I will never forget Lou as long as I live!!!! Her beautiful smile and that famous giggle are just two of her many gifts. One time her son was working under the car and had spilled some sort of red fluid. Lou thought it was blood and ran and picked that car up to save her son!!!!! PICKED IT UP!!!!! The smile of an Angel and the strength of a lion!!!! She will missed by all who’s lives she touched and there were many!!!!! “Until we meet again in Heaven, God speed, sweet spirit ❤?❤”
Rejoice
I will never forget the unconditional love and kindness that my aunt Lou showed me in 1963 when I was 17 and pregnant. She opened her home and gave me the sweetest baby shower. That meant so much to me.
To this day, I believe God used that to teach me to accept and love people in spite of their faults.
Little Lou Lou, as I affectionately nicknamed her was a lady who added value to all the lives she touched. To know Mama Lou was to love her. I can still see her dancing and giggling at the Courtyards. She told me a story about meeting President Ronald Reagan on a stairwell in California. She was a caretaker at heart even when she was not feeling her best she always gave attention and care to those in need. She was such a charmer everytime you would visit her she had made a new friend to introduce you to. She had some amazing recipes and could whip up a gourmet meal any ole time. I’m so glad she is in Heaven with her favorite roomate, Libby. Her God-given determination and preserverance were that of, “The Little Engine that could.” Her garden of colorful flowers will always be remembered. She had the most beautiful, picturesque flowing hair that kept its’ natural color all the many years of her life. God blessed her with two boys and two girls and she once told me that was her dream. She loved & treasured her family, special friends, trees, flowers, hershey kisses, birds, animals and her beloved Chihuahua, “Molly.” I know she was like a flower that must be why the Lord called her home in the wintertime. She will be greatly missed, but precious memories remain forevermore.
I love my mammaw and some of my funniest memories with her have been at family gatherings, like Christmas and thanksgiving. One of my fondest memories was when we exchanged secret Santa names, and she got hers and started shouting “I got a good one!” which is so funny and something I often think about. Rest In Peace. I love you, mammaw Lou ❤️
I did not know Lou, but I know her daughter Rhonda. I have prayed for her when Rhonda told me she was sick. My understanding that during her stay in the hospital trying to survive covid that she said the sinner’s prayer. After meeting the Lord, her life was changed. That is what the Lord does he gives us his spirit and a heart that can Love, and be happy. I am thankful for the good memories that were made before she went home to be with the Lord. I am thankful that she didn’t suffer and that she had peace. I’m also thankful that the family have confidence that she is in Heaven with our Lord, and that her loved ones who know the Lord and trust him, can see her again some day. I love you Rhonda, you are such a Blessing to me, and I pray that the Lord will comfort you and the family. In Jesus’s name. Sharon