Lavaun began her love for Christ when she was baptized in 1946. Her elementary and high school years as a student were spent in Adrian, graduating in 1952. She was known to be a good basketball player during those half-court games. Shortly after graduation on June 22, 1952, Lavaun married Billy Eugene Clifton. To this union three daughters were born; Debra Kay, Teresa Lynn, and Kelli Lea. Lavaun and Bill were married for 53 years. They loved to dance, bowl, play cards, and watch their children tap dance, cheer, and play sports. Bill passed away in 2005.
Lavaun's work history started as a telephone operator in Adrian, MO, then moved to a substitute mail carrier when her girls were young. In the early 1970s, Lavaun became a bus driver for Adrian School. She drove the mini bus for the Kindergartners, transported handicap students to and from school, and also drove high school students to Vo-Tech in Harrisonville. There were many stories told about those trips to Vo-Tech. After approximately 34 dedicated years, she retired from Adrian School in 2004. If that wasn't enough, in 1999, a few years before she retired from Adrian School, she began working as a Recall secretary for the dentist Dr. David Grizzell, now known as the office of Dr. James Binkley. Yes, Lavaun was the one calling to remind you of that 6-month checkup. She also enjoyed working with her daughter Debbie during that time. Lavaun retired from the dentist office in 2019 after 20 years of employment.
Lavaun volunteered her time over the years with the Crescent Hill Cemetery, mowed lawns for others, and was just a good friend to many. She received the honor of "Woman of the Year" from the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. During her 89 years of life, she has loved dancing, working in her yard, gardening, dancing, laughing with her friends, dancing, bowling, babysitting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, dancing, picking flowers on the side of the road, dancing, helping her girls, dancing, going to basketball games, and dancing. About 15 years ago, Lavaun's love for going to dances introduced her to a man named Steve Ezell. He became a very special person in her life. Lavaun and Steve enjoyed their time together and continued their love of dancing for many years. Lavaun was very, very loved.
Lavaun Clifton is preceded in death by her parents; spouse, Billy Eugene Clifton; brother, Forrest Lavern Kimble; and sister, Wanda Kay Kempton. She is survived by her daughters: Debra (Ritchie) Davis of Adrian, MO; Teresa (Steve) Smith of Adrian, MO; and Kelli (Brent) Yahnig of Drexel, MO; 9 grandchildren: Bryan Smith, Katy Bruto, Gabe Davis, Stacey Barbarick, Brett Smith, Tyler Yahnig, Tanner Yahnig, Maddie Yahnig, and Mason Yahnig; 13 great-grandchildren: Olivia, Chandler, Avery, Mylie, Brock, Emma, Hudson, Mya, Sydney, Chase, Berkeigh, Vayda, and Ella; and Steve Ezell, who has been dear to her for the last 15 years.
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