Lavann Gaskins

LaVann Gaskins – 89 of Lakeland, Georgia passed away Friday morning, November 25, 2022 at her home. She was born on December 22, 1932 in Lanier County, Georgia to the late George Washington Lee and Sally Marie (Mayo) Lee. Ms. LaVann worked in agriculture most of her life and was the CED of the ASCS Offices, now called FSA, in Lanier County and Clinch County. She was one of the first female ASCS CED in the state of Georgia.
She graduated from Lanier County High School and was a proud member of the Lanier County Bulldogettes Basketball team. She was very involved with the organization of Let’s Improve Lanier’s Appearance (LILA), served on the Lanier County DFACS and Lanier County Farm Bureau Boards. Under her leadership within the ASCS, Clinch and Lanier County was recognized as Honorable Mention in the Take Pride in America program through President George H.W. Bush’s Points of Light Program. Representatives from both counties were recognized by President Bush in the Rose Garden at the White House. She was a former member of First Baptist Church of Lakeland and enjoyed singing for years in the choir, Ladies Ensemble and special community cantatas. In her later years, she was a member of Pleasant Way Baptist Church. She enjoyed participating in the Lakeland Follies. She was also an active member of the Lanier County Republican Party. After her retirement, she became a Mary Kay representative and received many company awards including the Queen of Unit Sales in 2002 and Cadillac Unit Premier Club in 2003. She also served on the Cemetery Committee at Empire Cemetery for many years. She enjoyed the outdoors, the beach, and hunting and fishing with her family.
Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, J. L. (Junior) Gaskins; 2 sisters: Christine Dubose Davis and Naomi Calhoun; 2 brothers: Paul Lee and Curtis Lee; grandson, Tyler Studstill.
Survivors include: daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Danny Studstill of Nashville, Georgia; son and daughter-in-law, Joel and Shari Gaskins of Lakeland, Georgia; grandchildren: Justin Studstill (Haynes), Chase Studstill (Kari), Jessica Mills, Emily Gaskins (Cole Bennett), Jenna Moat (Cameron); great grandchildren: Lauren Alden Studstill, Annalee Studstill, Benton Studstill, Noah Studstill, Marley Brown, and JessiBrooke Mills; sister, Nell Hurst of Steinhatchee, Florida; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. The Gaskins family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the numerous sitters who provided excellent care, comfort and companionship during final days.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 28, 2022, in the Lakeland Chapel of Music Funeral Services, with burial to follow in Empire Cemetery, Lakeland, Georgia. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Kind words and expressions of sympathy can be left for the family at www.musicfuneralservices.com . In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Empire Cemetery Fund C/O Susan Lee, 1174 Teeterville Road, Lakeland, GA 31635.
The Gaskins family is being served by the professional and caring staff of Music Funeral Services of Lakeland.