Lavernia J. Ownbey McCoy
March 16, 1936 ~ September 7, 2022
Lavernia J. Ownbey McCoy, 86, left this earth to spend eternity with her Lord on Wednesday, September 7, 2022. She was blessed with a loving family, many dear friends, and God’s love. Lavernia was born March 16, 1936 to Elmo Dean Ownbey and Gladys Pauline Wilmoth Ownbey in Decatur, Arkansas and moved with her family to Wichita, Kansas. Lavernia was married to Billy J. McCoy for 43 years and lovingly raised four children. She worked at Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. as a long-distance operator while Bill was in the Korean conflict. Lavernia volunteered in various capacities and supported the kids in their many endeavors during their childhood and adult lives for which they are very grateful. She owned and operated McCoy Haircare for approximately 11 years from their home. In 1985, Lavernia experienced physical weakness, was referred to a rheumatologist, then neurosurgeon, underwent a muscle biopsy, nerve segment removal, and was referred to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. In 1986 Polymyositis was confirmed which is a rare, auto immune muscle condition with the main symptom of weakness. Bill and Lavernia established McCoy Builders, Inc. which built storage units and custom homes and McCoy Properties LLC, a subdivision at Beaver Lake, Arkansas. Lavernia served as Treasurer on the Lawn Flower Garden Show Board of Directors for several years, served as volunteer coordinator for Oak Cliff Estates, and the Sedgwick County Master Gardeners for more than 20 years. She was an Emeritus Master Gardener, helped advise many with landscaping projects, and had a lovely yard. She was baptized at Grace Lutheran Church and was active in faith and community for 30 years. She also attended Central Community Church, and continued to grow in the Lord at Ascension Lutheran Church for the past 19 years. Lavernia felt blessed with the long-term (50+ years) friendship of ladies in Casualettes and others she met in Positive Christian Singles who enriched her life greatly. In 2015 she moved to Presbyterian Manor Assisted Living. She immediately suggested a book club which gave birth to Bookmarks Book Club, an investment discussion group, and a variety of activities including beautifying the library courtyard and encouraging those around her. She is survived by her sisters Pat Austin (Lester) of Decatur, AR, Patricia Drake of Siloam Springs, AR, Pam Reeder (Richard) of Tulsa, OK; children Monty McCoy (Lori) of Wichita, KS, Marcia McCoy of Truth or Consequences, NM, Jeff McCoy (Lori) of Cave Creek, AZ, and Janell Elser (Mark) of Fayetteville, AR; grandchildren Tiffany Ash (Aaron) of Wichita, KS, Tim McCoy (Vay) of Glendale, AZ, Nick McCoy (Brandi) of Wichita, KS, Jordan McCoy of Tulsa, OK, Ashton McCoy of Cave Creek, AZ, siblings Jacob, Caroline Elser of Fayetteville, AR; great-grandchildren Brayden Wood McCoy, Kylie Wood, Ayden Ash, Jackson McCoy, Dylan McCoy, Matthew McCoy, Alexis McCoy and Miles McCoy. The funeral service will be Friday, September 16, 2022 at 10:30 am, Ascension Lutheran Church, 842 N. Tyler, Wichita. Visitation will occur one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, memorials are Ascension Lutheran Church, 842 N. Tyler, Wichita, KS, 67212 or Sedgwick County Master Gardeners Foundation, 7001 W. 21st St. North, Wichita, KS 67205-1759. Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - West Chapel.
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So sad to hear of your Mom’s passing; such a sweet lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have such fond memories of my Mom visiting McCoy Haircare for many years and the two of them making plans to support the 4 of you and the 3 in our family in all our school activities. Such special memories. I was the closest to Marcia and Monty and I think my brother, Roger, was close to Jeff. Our Mom passed away in 2020. Times we all shared in south Wichita can never be replicated. So very tough to loose your Mom. My prayers continue for you all. Glenda Runft Broadbent