Joyce Lavera Blair

Joyce Lavera Saunders Blair of Potosi, Missouri, was born on May 8, 1937, in Washington County, Missouri, a daughter of the late Herbert Volner and Cletta Mae (Alley) Volner. Lavera passed away on Thursday, April 21, 2021, having reached the age of eighty-four years, eleven months, and thirteen days.

On June 11, 1955, Lavera was united in marriage to Carl Saunders and spent 40 years together before he passed away on December 8, 1995. On June 29, 2013, Lavera was then united in marriage to Norman Blair, and they spent 5 years together before his passing on April 19, 2019.

Those who remain to include her children: Laurie Smith (husband, Patrick), Kathy Moss (husband, Virgil); Step Sons: Brian Blair and Steven Blair; special adopted daughter, Mary Ellen Naucke (husband, Danny); grandchildren: Samantha Parks (husband, Josh), Sunni Nelson (husband, Jesse), Reggie Saunders (wife, Sandy), Beau Thompson (wife, Baylie); great-grandchildren: Carly, Timmy, Mira, Jenson, Bryce, Briar, and Hoyt; siblings: Billy Volner, Michael (Angela) Volner, and Francis Cooper. Lavera is also survived by step grandchildren, dear sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and many great friends.

In addition to her parents, Lavera was preceded in death by her first husband, Carl Saunders; second husband, Norman Blair; children: Nancy Saunders, and Charlie Ray Saunders; siblings: Alberta Doss, Edward, Howard, Elmer, Jackie, Bobby, and Charles Volner.

Lavera was known for her many years of service in children’s education, having worked 42 years in Head Start and 10 years in Parents as Teachers. As a child, Lavera attended the Presbytery Church of Potosi where she came to know the Lord as her Savior. Later, she met her first husband Carl, and they were united in marriage at the Presbyterian Church, and later moved their membership to White Oak Grove Baptist Church. Carl and Lavera were married June 11, 1955, and to that union was born four children. Lavera and Carl experienced many hardships, having lost 2 children, her father, and father-in-law in a period of 10 years. Lavera received comfort and peace sharing her love for children through her work and church as well as the community.

Lavera served as a Sunday School teacher for preschool children for over 20 years. She loved serving on the churches special day committees, where she prepared many of great tasting dishes. Lavera and Carl took in many children/teens over the years and showed them love and acceptance. Lavera loved spending time with her family and friends and spent many of nights and days camping on the river and chasing off canoers away from her kids. She also was an avid fisherman. Enjoying many nights catfishing with Carl. Their best catch was the day they left Patrick sleeping—Pat never let her live that one down.

Lavera also was a jokester and loved to play pranks on her sister Francis, and Carl. She passed that down to her girls. Lavera spent 20 years alone after Carl passed away, and finally found her second love, Norman, also known as “Blue”. She opened her heart up to Blue and his family and loved every minute they were able to share together. Blue and Lavern went camping out at deep camp with his family, they enjoyed listening to country music in the evenings and going to the races. Lavera and Blue spent four to five years enjoying each other—being happy and enjoying life.

The later years of life Lavera enjoyed her children and grandchildren. She was a mother to many and a friend to all. The most important thing to Lavera was that her family knew the Lord as their Savior and raise her great grandchildren in God’s house. Lavera has touched the lives of many, saved the lives of a few, and conquered grief with grace and mercy.

A Visitation will be held on Monday, April 25, 2022, from 5 to 8 pm at DeClue Funeral Home, 301 E High St, Potosi, MO 63664. Visitation will continue Tuesday, April 26, 2022, from 10 am to 1 pm.

A Funeral Service will be Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at 1 pm at the DeClue Memorial Chapel with Bro. Jamie Haguewood officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery.

DeClue Funeral Home was honored to have served and ministered to the family and friends of Mrs. Lavera.