Extracted from The Courier (Findlay, OH)
Friday, May 23, 2014

Pauline ‘Pollie’ Lavender

Bertha Pauline “Pollie” Lavender passed away on May 15, 2014 in Mobile, AL. Pollie was born on March 8, 1928 in Holum, Louisiana to Estus and Moise Chandler, both deceased.

She was a 1947 graduate of Fair Park High School in Shreveport, LA and, later that year, married high school sweetheart John Lavender who preceded her in death in 1998. Most recently a resident of Lady Lake, Florida, Pollie and her family lived in Findlay from 1957-1972 where she and husband, John, were very active in the community of St. Mark's United Methodist Church. Their activities in Findlay included bridge with friends, golf and bowling leagues.

They moved to Houston, TX in 1972. There, Pollie and family joined Spring Woods United Methodist Church where she served as church secretary and taught Sunday School. Upon John's retirement in 1992, the couple moved into the community of Water Oak in Lady Lake, FL where they took full advantage of the golf course just outside their back door. Pollie and John were members of Community United Methodist Church in Fruitland Park, FL where she was active as a teacher, a member of United Methodist Women, a lay minister and a Chancel Choir member.

Pollie was a lifelong pianist who contributed to the life of her community by playing for many events, including the yearly Fashion Show at Water Oak (where she was also a Water Oak Book Club member) and at many church services and functions.

Pollie married Dan Kachel in 2004 and he passed away later that year.

Pollie is survived by her third husband, Norman Chastain, of Mobile; sister, Margaret Jean Heidecker, of Shreveport; brother, Mark Chandler, of Dallas, TX; three children: Scott (and wife, Carolyn) of Findlay; Keith (and wife, Erin), of Helena, MT; daughter, Suzanne, of Lady Lake, FL; and two grandchildren, John Scott and Elizabeth of Findlay.

She loved her Lord, Jesus, and her sense of humor, warm, beautiful smile and love of life, music and laughter inspired her family and endeared her to friends. Our mother will always be missed and can never be replaced in our hearts.

A memorial service will be held in remembrance at Community U. M. Church in Fruitland Park, Florida on Friday, June 6th at 1:30 p.m.