Lavera Rattler

RATTLER, Mrs. Lavera "Luddie" - Age 68, passed away Thursday, October 13 2011 at her residence. Family hour 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at First Union Baptist Church, 7004 Fleming Rd., with funeral service commencing at 12Noon. Pastor Jeffrey Hawkins, Sr., offiiciating, Pastor Morris A. Collins, Sr., presiding and Pastor Archie Powell, Jr., Host Pastor. Interment River Rest Cemetery, G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 11 a.m. Wednesday. Mrs. Rattler will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday. Mother LaVera “Luddie” Rattler was born August 10, 1943, in Love Joy, Illinois, to the late Wilson and Octavia (Hunter) Rattler, Sr. She accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age. She moved to Saginaw, Michigan in the early 1960’s, where she worked at the Elks for many years. In July 1983, she moved her family to Flint, Michigan. She was employed by a Flint based Janitorial Service for many years, and later employed by Alternative Services (Maple Road Group Home) where she retired in 2008. Mother Rattler loved the Lord. In 1993, she became a member of the Prince of Peace MBC, where she served faithful under the leadership of the late, Rev. Marcellus Wade, Sr., later under Rev. Jeffrey Hawkins, Sr. Mother Rattler believed in giving back to the Lord. She dedicated her time as President of the Adult Usher Board, worked in the kitchen, sang in the choirs, taught Sunday school part-time, and worked as the Secretary for the Sunday school department. Mother Rattler believed in working while it was day. She successfully organized her own store in her home, and was known in the community as “The Candy Lady.” There was nothing in the world she enjoyed more than sharing the Good News of Christ. She didn’t care who you were, she would speak a word to you about the Lord, and would get so excited about one day being in heaven to place her gifts at her Saviors feet. Mother Rattler loved her family and church family. It was said, if you ever wanted to find her, call Carol. She believed in families staying together. And her favored quotes were; “Pray for the children”, and “If it is the LORD’S Will.” Mother never passed up an opportunity to go over her son’s house for a game of Monopoly, coffee and a good ole western. Her favored hymns were “The Old Rugged Cross”, “I Can Only Imagine” and her signature song, “I Go To The Rock.” Mother Rattler leaves to cherish her memories: 5 daughters, Sylvia (Elder Kenneth) Greene, both of Fayetteville, NC, Doloris L. Mixon of Atlanta, GA, Lavern Mixon of Flint, Carolyn Mixon of Mt. Morris, MI and Latres (Johnathan) Young, both of Rex, GA; 2 sons, Pastor Ryan (Twynette) Mixon of Flint and Johnny (Wendy) Young of Dallas, TX; 29 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters, Dr. Joan (Billy) Sanders of Conway, AR, Mrs. Ivy Lamar of Defiance, OH and Ms. Brenda Burndette of Tacoma, WA; 5 brothers, Val Thomas of Bowling Green, KY, Wilson (Debie) Rattler of Brooklyn Park, MN, Ronald (Linda) Rattler of Cahokia, IL, Edward (Ramona) Rattler of Pipe Stone, MN and Edgar Rattler of Flint; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Mother Rattler was preceded in death by her son, Lonzie L. Rattler; parents, Mr. Wilson and Octavia (Hunter) Rattler, Sr.; sister, Bertina Jones; and brother, Andre Rattler. The family would like to express special thanks to Heartland Hospice, Hurley Medical Center ninth floor, Stat team, Rev. Jeffery Hawkins and Prince of Peace Church family and The Everlasting Church family.

Lavera Rattler

August 10, 1943 - October 13, 2011