Obituary of Lavone Evelyn Norwood

Lavone Evelyn Smart Norwood was born on February 6, 1948, in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised by her parents, Evelyn and John Smart. On July 3, 2025, Lavone peacefully transitioned from this life to her eternal home.
 
A proud graduate of John Hay High School in Cleveland, Lavone’s story took a fateful turn there when a young man named Donald Norwood noticed her and asked her sister, Johnnie Mae, for her phone number. From that moment on, their love story unfolded. Lavone and Donald were married on June 17, 1967, and for 54 years, their marriage stood as a testament to deep love, and lifelong devotion.
 
Together, they filled their lives with joy—and one of their favorite expressions of that joy was dancing. Lavone and Donald were often the first to step onto the dance floor and the last to leave, turning heads with their rhythm, style, and undeniable chemistry.
 
Lavone built a distinguished career, rising through the ranks from administrative roles to serve as Executive Director of Workforce Strategies & Performance at Verizon. She championed fairness and inclusion with conviction, helping to shape equitable workplace policies and practices that advanced AA/EEO, diversity, equity, and inclusion across the organization. As a trusted HR business partner, she coached, mentored, and counseled countless executives and employees. After retiring from Verizon, Lavone continued her professional journey as the Principal Owner of MN HR Consulting, extending her expertise to small and mid-sized organizations.
 
Determined and driven, Lavone never stopped pursuing her dreams. She fulfilled a lifelong goal when she earned her bachelor’s degree in business management from Dallas Baptist University—proof that perseverance and faith make anything possible.
 
Lavone’s faith in Christ anchored her life. A devoted member of Fellowship Church, she joyfully served in many roles—from greeting guests with her signature smile, to preparing baptismal certificates, to supporting the C3 Conference. Lavone’s faith grew immensely when she participated in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) and later became a discussion group leader encouraging other women in their study of the bible. Her Sundays were made complete by worshipping with family and enjoying shared meals around the table.
 
Lavone found delight in life’s beauty—especially in music, fashion, and home décor. Though she often joked that singing wasn’t her gift, that didn’t stop her from belting out a tune with passion—once even entering a company picnic singing contest and playfully demanding applause at the end! Her motto was, “It has to be cutesy,” and everything she touched reflected her unique flair and charm.
 
To know Lavone was to know the depth of her love for family. She was a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, a proud grandmother, and a loyal sister. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for her children and grandchildren—supporting them in school, sports, dance competitions, and of course, frequent shopping trips often topped off with a favorite meal at Rosa’s Café.
 
Lavone was preceded in death by her husband Donald Norwood, parents, Evelyn and John Smart; her brother, Julian Smart (Andrea); and her sister, Kay Frances McGee. She leaves behind a legacy of love and faith in those who carry her memory forward: her beloved daughter Deana Norwood Costa (Eric), and son Damion Norwood (Jennifer); her treasured grandchildren Daylan Norwood, Jazlyn Norwood, Alana Costa, and Kyla Costa; her dear sisters Johnnie M. Smart, Lois Helmick, and Juanita Jackson (Fred); sister-in-law Beverly Stein Williams (Dr. Samuel L. Williams); Jones siblings, and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.
 
Lavone gave her family 110%—always present, always loving, always encouraging. Her radiant smile, dedication, and unwavering love will be profoundly missed. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit, strength, and legacy will remain in our hearts forever.

Her service will be on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Fellowship Church located at 2450 N Hwy 121. Grapevine, TX 76051.  

Interment to follow at Rolling Oaks Cemetery, Coppell.