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Her faith was evident in the way she cared for others.

Amy Lavonne Thames, 96, of Hemphill, Texas, passed away on October 28, 2026, at Legacies Nursing and Rehab in Hemphill.  A longtime resident of Bridge City, Texas, she had resided in the Fairmount Community of Sabine County since 1980.

Born on October 27, 1930, in the Village of Summerfield, Louisiana, Lavonne was the daughter of Eslie Thomas Tanner and Lela Ethel Brown Tanner. She was valedictorian of her high school class and, following graduation, attended business school, continuing a path marked by dedication and steady purpose.

For many years, Lavonne worked as a loan officer at Bridge City State Bank before her retirement. Her work formed an important part of her life, and she carried that same commitment into the many other roles she held through the years.

Lavonne was a longtime member of Fairdale Baptist Church, where she taught the Ladies Sunday School Class for many years. Her service to the church also included devoted support of local students through the church college scholarship fund. In recognition of that dedication, the church recently approved changing the name of the fund to the Lavonne Thames Scholarship Fund.

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She was known as a prayer warrior for her family, her church, and all those who asked for prayer.

Her faith was evident in the way she cared for others. She was known as a prayer warrior for her family, her church, and all those who asked for prayer. She also found great joy in life’s everyday blessings. Lavonne enjoyed traveling and had visited every state except Hawaii. She loved tending her numerous flower beds and helping with the yearly spring and fall gardens. Above all, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Lavonne was preceded in death by her parents, Eslie and Lela Tanner; her brothers, Howard Tanner and Thelton Tanner; her husband of 44 years, Tommy Vail; her husband of 13 years, Jess Thames; and her daughter, Janet Race.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Dianne Hale and husband, Mike, of Hemphill; her son, Don Vail and wife, Polly, of Streetman, Texas; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Lavonne Thames will be remembered for her years of faithful church service, her dedication to prayer, her support of local students, and the time she treasured with her family. Her life was one of devotion, work, and lasting commitment to the people and places that mattered most to her.

 A Funeral Service will be held on October 30, 2026, at 03:00 PM at Fairdale Baptist Church, 4820 Fairdale Rd. under the direction of Starr Funeral Home with Bro. Bo Owens and Bro. J. R. McDonald officiating.

Burial will follow services in Mt. Sinai Cemetery.  Serving as pallbearers are Chad Vail, Conner Vail, Chad White, Kirk Race, Greg Rutledge and Chris Landry.

Memories and condolences may be shared at starrfuneralhome.com.