Virginia Ann (LaValle) Carlson

Virginia Ann Lavalle Carlson, 85, passed away Thursday, October 8, 2020 at Missouri
Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. She was born December 26, 1931 to the late Charles Edward
LaValle and Laura Allen Riley LaValle. On December 28,1955 she married Jack Carlson who
preceded her in death Oil May 13, 1998. In addition to her parents and husband, she was
preceded in death by her daughter, Laura Christy Carlson, brothers Charles Edward and William
David LaValle, and sister, Laura Kathleen LaValle Deegan.

Survivors include her son, Patrick Allen Carlson (Robin Fincher) and two siblings, Robert
Allen LaValle (Linda) and Mark LaValle. She will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren:

Channing Bess and Olivia Carlson, Logan LaValle Ledbetter and August Virginia McNitt. Other
surviving family members include in-laws Dick and Barbara Fisher, Ella and Glodine Lavalle and
Michael Deegan, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins, and two special friends, Kathleen
Buchanan and Norma Canarillo.

Virginia was an avid reader and history buff. The younger family members all loved her
stories, both history in general and stories of their own ancestors in particular. Her wide-ranging
knowledge made her an expert, and at family gatherings "all wanted her on their trivia team."

A natural extension of her interest in local history was her commitment to her community.

As a result, the city of New Madrid benefitted greatly from her energy, enthusiasm and dedication.
She was the first woman to be elected alderman in the town. She was active with DAEOC at its
local inception, volunteering countless hours to ensure the success of the initiative. Virginia,
together with Dot Halstead, founded the New Madrid Historical Museum. As a board member
[or years, she helped expand and maintain the collections, making it one of the best local museums
to be found. For her unswerving dedication to the betterment of her community, she was
recognized as Beta Sigma Phi Woman or the Year in 1983.

Virginia Carlson was a woman or strong and enduring faith. As a life-long member of
Immaculate Conception Church, she was instrumental in building, the new pre-school building in
memory of her daughter, Laura Christy.

A funeral Mass was celebrated at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13,2020 at Immaculate
Conception Church with the most Reverend Dominic Ibok officiating. Burial followed in the
Evergreen Cemetery. Pall bearers were David LaValle, John LaValle, Matt LaValle, Edward
LaValle, Brian LaValle, Lee LaValle, John Allgier and Jack Pipkin. Honorary pallbearers were
Larry Rost, Edward, Riley and Bud Henry.

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