Mrs. Lavonnia Marie "Dee Dee" Blackburn

January 5, 1967 - August 31, 2018

Mrs. Lavonnia Marie Blackburn, lovingly known as “Dee-Dee”, departed this earthly journey on August 31, 2018. She was born January 5, 1967 the daughter of Joy Ray and Otis Kyle. Joy later united in marriage to Jessie Ray and who took on the role of stepfather in Dee-Dee’s life. She was employed for many years as a Activity Helper for the Kalamazoo Public Schools. While working in the school system she touched many lives from her coworkers to the children who grew a special bond with “Ms. Dee-Dee”. Dee-Dee accepted Christ at an early age, was baptized and became a member of the Galilee Baptist Church. She enjoyed holidays, playing Bingo, watching her favorite reality television shows ad spending time with her family. She was a loving, kind and gentle woman who was loved by all who knew her. She will be truly missed. Dee-Dee is preceded in death by her father, Otis Kyle; maternal grandmother, Alice Gilbert; two special aunts, Demarra Gilbert and Valla Gilbert; mother-in-law, Annie Somerville and her niece, Shaprace Gilbert. Dee-Dee leaves to cherish her memory, her husband Benny Blackburn; son and daughter-in-law, LaMark and Ashley Scott; daughter JaKarri (Jerome) Scott; youngest son, Michael Scott; her siblings, Trace Brown; Valeesa Brown; Leslie (Jermaine) Scott; Billy Scott; sister-in-law, Deann Winfield; 2 uncles, Tony and Tank; brothers-in-law, Danny; Jeffrey “Porkchop” and James Love; special niece, Laprice Sterling; and 12 grandchildren whom she loved and absolutely adored. Also, special friends, Monique Anderson, Pamela Williams, Wanda Brown and a heavenly friend, Carmen Wilson, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.