Lavina Reese Kates

Mrs. Lavina Reese Kates, 95, of Biloxi, MS, passed away Sun., Nov. 29, 2009, in Biloxi. Mrs. Kates was born in Toby Township, PA, Oct. 14, 1914 to George and Annie Smith. She grew, thrived and married in that area near Pittsburgh. She married Paul Reese in 1933 and they had one son, Paul E. Reese, who after enlisting in the U. S. Air Force moved to Biloxi. Lavina was dedicated in her family's behalf------gardening, sewing, cleaning and cooking; ever mindful of the saying "Cleanlines is next to Godliness". She worked at a local hospital dietary department where dear friends were made. Lavina was widowed in 1974, two months after moving with her husband to Biloxi. She remained part of her son's family life for 16 years then was fortunate enough to meet and marry a second fine man, Jim Kates. Widowed again in 1996 she returned to her son's family. Lavina survived two husbands, her son, Paul, who died in 2002, a host of friends, as many pets, plus "Katrina". She leaves behind her daughter-in-law, Carolyn Reese; granddaughters, Sharon Sullenberger and her husband, Steve, and Monica Reinhart and her husband, Wayne, all of Biloxi; nieces, nephews and in-laws in PA and MS; also the caring people from Odyessy Hospice and her friend, Lee. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Thurs., Dec. 3, 2009, at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 675 Howard Ave., in Biloxi where friends may visit one hour before service time. Interment will follow in Southern Memorial Park.