Lavonne Harrelson Jaramillo

Lavonne Harrelson Jaramillo passed away April 25th, 2026 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, Texas. Lavonne was born April 30, 1940 in Gorman, TX. to H. H. Harrelson and Lucille B. Stanaford Harrelson. Lavonne lived her early years in the Cisco area, graduating from Cisco High School with the class of 1959. She remained close to her classmates all throughout her life, sharing a special bond with all of them.

From 1945 to 1959 she made lifelong friends with kids while attending East Cisco Baptist Church. She treasured many special moments with them and never forgot the fun times shared.

Lavonne worked in the Registrar’s office at Cisco Jr. College from 1970 to 1975. She married Ben Jaramillo on July 12, 1975, in Abilene, TX, where they lived all their married life. Lavonne worked 22-1/2 years as the secretary for the Maintenance department at Abilene State School, retiring in 1997 because of rheumatoid arthritis. She was one of the first members of G.O.L.F, good old longtime friends, for retirees and current employees of Abilene State School. She loved attending the twice-yearly meetings and seeing old friends.

Lavonne joined Potosi Baptist in 1989 and loved her church family. Lavonne served on many committees and taught Sunday school in the children’s department for several years. She also taught the Ruth Sunday School class of which she was a member. Lavonne was the mission director for Potosi Baptist with the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering being her very favorite. The Ruth class saved dimes all year long to give to this mission offering. Lavonne shared that her mother saved dimes in the 1950’s in order to have money for this offering. Our mom loved planning parties, out of town trips and anything else fun. She loved wearing hats! She once planned a tea for ladies from church and had hats for more than 50 ladies. She always had a camera and loved taking pictures of all her family and friends.

Lavonne loved her children, grandchildren and her great grands. She was Mamacita, Gamma, Gammie, Grandma, MawMaw and GiGi to her great grands. Lavonne loved spending time and shopping with them. Mom knew all the “favorite” things of her kids and they loved her dearly for making each feel like “the favorite”. Mom never “grew up”, loved bling and sparkle but most of all loved JOY... Jesus Others You.

Lavonne was predeceased by her husband, Ben Jaramillo of 46 years, parents H.H. and Lucille Harrelson, sister, Jean Allen & husband Chet, sister, Melba Ray Barger and husband Dann, niece Lynda Allen Higdon, grandson SStg. Retired Mickey Jaramillo and great grandson Braven Ingram.

Lavonne is survived by her two sons David Jensen (Sandra) of Springfield, MO, Mark Jensen (Kim) of Hawley, TX, granddaughters; Amanda (Curtis) Oehichs of Cole Camp, MO, Amber Jensen Hoop, of North Richland Hills, TX, Kayla Jensen (Matt) Allmon of Granbury, TX, Briana Dodson of Johnson City, TX, grandsons; Casey Waits & Collin (Bailey) Waits of Abilene, TX, great grandchildren; Cora & Ida, Vivian, Bella & Nolan, Jaclyn, Hali and Graci and River. Nieces, nephews and cousins whom she loved so very much, Ben’s children, Ben Jr. (Dollie), Lee (Peggie), Debra (Jeff) Ingram, Bobby, Fernie and Mary Ann (Mike) Scott, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Lavonne's life will be held on Tuesday April 28th at 11:00 am in the chapel of Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut St.  A time of visitation will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday before the service.   A graveside service will be held at 2:00pm in the Nimrod Cemetery in Eastland County, south of Cisco.