Lavelle Marilyn (Pearson) Palmer

LaVelle Marilyn Pearson was born in North Powder, Oregon, on August 2, 1935, to John Paul Pearson and Georgia Rose Bauer Pearson. Her fondest memories were of her childhood and time spent with her parents. A photo of her parents was one of her most cherished possessions. 

She attended school in North Powder and graduated from North Powder High School in 1953. In high school, LaVelle was involved in many clubs and activities, including the Glee Club, Pep Club, Volleyball, Triple Trio, Mixed Chorus, Music Festival, Operetta, Broadcaster Staff, Annual Staff, Band, and Class Secretary. The senior pages of her yearbook listed LaVelle as ‘most likely to become an English teacher.’

For many decades, LaVelle worked retail in Baker City. She began her work in the grocery business at Wilson’s Market in 1976. Next, she moved into the hardware business in the Bashe Sage Mercantile. When the Mercantile closed in 1980,  she went to work at Farmterials, then Lumbermans, and finally Miller’s. LaVelle managed the paint department at all three of the hardware stores. She was dedicated to her job and was recognized yearly for her perfect attendance at work. LaVelle was so good at her job customers often referred to her as ‘the paint lady.’
When she retired from Miller’s, LaVelle was well past the age of sixty-five. Unlike most people, LaVelle was not in a hurry to retire. She loved working and enjoyed helping people. 

LaVelle enjoyed cooking for her children and spoiling her grandchildren. Being a mother was one of LaVelle’s proudest moments. She loved her children and worked tirelessly to provide for them. LaVelle was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. 

In her free time, LaVelle loved working in her yard, reading, watching western movies, and listening to Elvis Presley sing Gospel songs. One of her favorite songs was “You Are My Sunshine.” 

A year ago, LaVelle moved into an apartment at Meadowbrook. She enjoyed her time at Meadowbrook and loved being around her neighbors and new friends. One of LaVelle’s favorite pastimes at Meadowbrook was the live music every Tuesday. She loved singing along with the music and sipping hot chocolate. Meadowbrook and its staff were a tremendous blessing for LaVelle and her family. 

LaVelle enjoyed her last Mother’s Day with her two adult children by her side. In the early afternoon of May 22, LaVelle passed away from natural causes. Her loving and devoted daughter was by her side. Shortly after hearing her daughter recite  “The Lord’s Prayer,” a tear rolled down her cheek, and LaVelle went home to be with Jesus! 

LaVelle was preceded in death by her parents, John and Georgia Pearson, her sister Shirley, infant son Stephen Duane Lee, and the father of her children Bill Lee, Sr.   She is survived by her brother Larry and his wife Peggy, daughter Sue Schroeder and husband Forrest, son Bill J. Lee, Jr. and his wife, Shandra. Grandchildren include: Emily Scott, Otis Schroeder, Jack Henry Schroeder, Taylor Lee, and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on June 2, 2023, at 1:00 PM at Gray’s West and Co. Pioneer Chapel with Pastor Troy Teeter of the Baker City Church of the Nazarene officiating. LaVelle was interred at Mt. Hope Cemetery near her sister.

Memorial Contributions can be made to Meadowbrook Place Assisted Living Facility through Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814.

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