Kathleen Lavon (Horton) Massey, 76, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, passed away unexpectedly on April 20, 2023. She is survived by her husband, Richard; her children Laura Ali (wife of Muhammad Ali) and Jeff Massey (husband of Lori Massey); her brother, James “Jim” Horton; and her grandchildren, Sofia Ali, and Zain Ali.
Lavon was born on October 19, 1946, in Hobbs, New Mexico to Essie Louise and Ivan Horton. She spent a few childhood years in Muskegon, MI but Hobbs was her home. After graduating from Hobbs High School, Lavon went to Wayland Baptist University where she earned degrees in English and History. She married Richard Massey of Clovis, New Mexico June 7, 1969, and followed him as he was drafted into the Navy. They spent time stationed in Vallejo, CA; Idaho Falls, ID; and Charleston, SC. They made many lifelong friends along the way, and moved to Las Cruces, NM to raise their two children, Laura, and Jeff.
Lavon was an active member of Mesilla Park Baptist Church, where she served in many roles including Sunday School teacher, deacon’s wife, children’s choir director and head of the kitchen committee. Lavon also was a Girl Scout Leader. She guided girls through from Brownies, through their Silver and Gold Awards. She was fond of camping and spent many summers at Girl Scout Day Camp.
Lavon returned to her career of teaching after raising her kids. She worked as a substitute teacher and ran the computer lab at Lynn Middle School in Las Cruces. She then worked at Hofacket Mid High in Deming, NM teaching English and History. Lavon finished out her teaching career with Las Cruces Public Schools where she taught at Picacho Middle School and Zia Middle School. She loved learning and she enjoyed kids.
Upon retirement, Lavon enjoyed traveling, spending time in her garden on the back porch, cooking and visiting friends and family. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend and will be missed deeply.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
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