Obituary of LaVern Gay Knapp
LaVern Gay Piddock was born in Monroe, Michigan on June 20, 1938. She was the daughter of the late
Charles Phillip and Inez Van (Chapman) Piddock. Growing up in a Christian home, faith was always a part of life. Her father began several churches including Monroe Freewill Baptist and was the pastor of First Freewill Baptist Chapel in Sandusky, Ohio. LaVern attended Monroe High School.
LaVern married, Grover Cleveland Carmon, on August 14, 1954. From this union would come the birth of two children: Dawn and Glen. In the 1950’s, LaVern would be employed at the J and J Market at the corner of First and Winchester Streets on the city’s East Side. After her children started school she began a career with Star Cleaners in 1962. She earned the trust of her employers eventually purchasing the business in 1980. Grover died in a farming accident on June 7, 1980. LaVern would operate the cleaners until a catastrophic fire at the Monroe Shopping Center Complex in June of 1989. She married, Wesley Edward Gray, on June 20, 1989. Following the fire, LaVern would work in sales for John Tartarian at Diamond Designs. Later after Wesley’s death she would marry Larry Knapp.
LaVern was well-known for her high energy level. She was fun with a great sense of humor, and she loved to talk, especially about her favorite subject, her own family. She loved them all dearly and was proud to share their accomplishments with anyone willing to listen. She loved to play bingo anywhere there was a game and never missed playing the lotto in Michigan and Ohio. LaVern also loved to shop.
LaVern Gay Knapp, age 83, of Monroe passed away at 8:31pm on Saturday; August 28, 2021 at Oasis of Monroe. In addition to her parents her passing was preceded by all three of her husbands; and three sisters: Anna Lou Mehlow, Donna Sue Halbisan, and Sonya Piddock.
To cherish her memory she leaves a daughter: Dawn (Ronald) Goins of Monroe; a son: Glen (Marilyn) Carmon of Monroe; one sister: Yvonne Schell of Castalia, Ohio; two brothers: David (Norma) Piddock of Mansfield, Ohio and Phillip (Ginny) Piddock of Sandusky, Ohio; five grandchildren: Misty (Mike) Boudrie, Rhonda Goins (Chadd Johnson), Christopher (Angie) Carmon, Nicole Galloway (Chris), and Joel (Danielle) Carmon; fifteen great grandchildren: Jacob Demay, Logan Demay, Jack Boudrie, Gabriel Sampsel, Raegan Sampsel, Ian Leach, Kylee Carmon, Kayla Carmon, Chris (Shelby) Carmon, Tahya Carmon, Brooklyn Carmon, Mia Carmon, Dayton Carmon, Chris Galloway, and Alexia Galloway; and one great-great grandchild: Peyton Matthew.
Friends may gather from 10:00am-11:00am on Thursday; September 2, 2021 at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Her Life will take place at 11:00am also at Merkle’s. Procession to Roselawn will follow for entombment.
Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com.