Lavelle Smith Wisenbaker

Lavelle Smith Wisenbaker, passed away peacefully at home on July 9, 2024, after a short illness. 

Lavelle was born to Annie Lillian Long Smith and William Smith on September 4, 1935, in Ludowici, Georgia, and graduated from Clyattville High School where she was a varsity basketball player. She attended Valdosta State College. She worked at Southern Bell, now Bell South, from 1953 until she retired in 1992. Lavelle worked up the ranks to a management position and became the Georgie state president of the Bell South Pioneers, a volunteer group made up of other Bell South employees, a position she loved and excelled in. 

After marrying Noel Wisenbaker, Lavelle and Noel lived briefly in Appleton, Wisconsin and Savannah, Georgia before settling down in Valdosta where they raised their two sons, Gary and Greg. She enjoyed her retirement years by splitting her time between Valdosta and Panama City Beach, Florida. Lavelle was active in several civic and professional organizations including the Business and Professional Women’s Club, Wymodausis Club of Valdosta, and the Garden Club. She was a member of Central Avenue Church of Christ.

 Lavelle is also predeceased by her son Gary Noel Wisenbaker, husbands Noel Wisenbaker, Richard Quiniff, and Hiram Davis, a brother, Reverend William C. “Bill” Smith, and sisters Gladys Quinelle Smith Davis and Martha Smith Jefferson.

 Lavelle is survived by her son Gregory Smith Wisenbaker, sister Betty Sue (Hub) Gregory of Leesburg, Georgia, brothers Harold (Verna) Smith of Donalsonville, Georgia, Herbert (Faye) Smith of Valdosta, and Derrell (Gail) Smith of Palatka, Florida. her “near-son” Gary M. Wisenbaker, and other extended family members.

 Although she endured many heart breaking moments in her life, Lavelle maintained an upbeat look on life taking adversity in stride and always comforting those who also endured trying times. She was truly a source of inspiration encouraging others to look within and find the strength to depend on themselves because, “in the end, it’s just gonna be you driving your own bus!”..

 Funeral services will be held Saturday, at 11:00am the chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home with Bryan Jarvis of Fernandina Beach Church of Christ officiating. Burial will follow in Dasher Cemetery. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service in the Carson McLane Chapel. Condolences may be conveyed on line at www.mclanefuneralservices.com.