Lavada Nell Austin Cossey (Tate) departed this life on Sunday, January 21, 2018, at the age of 86 years. She was born on July 23, 1931, the daughter of Tilda Jane Barrier Austin White and George Earlen Austin. On January 24, 1948, Lavada was united in marriage to Berlon A. Cossey, who preceded her in death on February 3, 1998. She was a hardworking farmer’s wife and worked for a long time at Garan Manufacturing in Adamsville, Tennessee, but her last job brought her the most joy, babysitter. She helped raise 7 grandchildren and more children in the neighborhood. She attended Forest Ridge Union Church in her younger years and in her later years, she attended White’s Creek Freewill Baptist Church. Lavada’s favorite bible verse was Psalm 23.
Survivors are Gail Murphy (Robert), Tommy Cossey (Patsy), Peggy Morris (Marshal), Barbara Franks (Maynard), and Gary Cossey; grandchildren, Tim Murphy, Michael Murphy, Rodney Cossey, Tonya Longshore, Michelle McFall, Norman Morris, Amanda Lambert, Sharon Owens, Angie Cossey (Smith), Amelia Biggers, and Shane Biggers; and great grandchildren, Taylor, Mollie, Parker, and Savannah Murphy, Zac and Lane Longshore, Skyler and Torri Mcfall, Abbie, Emma, and Maddie Morris, Caroline, Elijah, Catherine, Clara, and Cora Lambert, Anna, Leah, Sarah, and JC Owens, Aiden Biggers, and Allie and Alana Lavada Smith.
She was preceded in death were her husband of 50 years, Berlon A. Cossey, her brothers, Junior, Douglas, and Tony White and George Luther Austin, and her stepfather, Oliver White.
The family would like to say a thank you to the Dr. Ferrin Bayles and the ECM staff, Palliative Care Nurses, Amedisys Home Health Care nurses, Walnut Grove First Responders, and EVAC Airlift service.
Pall Bearers: Tim Murphy, Michael Murphy, Taylor Murphy, Parker Murphy, Rodney Cossey, Norman Morris, Shane Biggers, and Skylar McFall.
Honorary Pall Bearers: Brian Longshore, Barry McFall, Chris Owens, and Jerome Lambert.
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