Mildred "Lavon" Graves Colbert, 82, of Montgomery City, MO, died at 9:44 PM on Sunday, October 28, 2018, surrounded by family at her daughter's home in Jonesburg, MO.

Mildred Lavon Graves Colbert was born on May 20, 1936 in Olney, MO, to Paul D. Graves and Irene Teacutter Graves. She attended Duncan Elementary through the 4th grade and then later attended in Olney; Lavon graduated from Vandalia High School in Vandalia, MO. On March 10, 1956, she married Millard Joseph "Joe" Colbert in Vandalia, MO, at the United Methodist Church. They were married for over 61 wonderful years until he preceded her in death on February 15, 2018.

Mrs. Colbert lived life fully; she held her faith, her family, and her school close to her heart always. She started out farming and raising their family with her husband in the Olney area, but then later moved to Montgomery City where she became employed by the Montgomery County R-II School District. She had many roles over her 30+ years in the school system, but finally retired as the principal's secretary at the middle school. In her time with Montgomery County R-II Schools, she touched numerous lives and truly left her mark behind. She was school mom to many, and brought out the best in students and staff.

Lavon was a Member of the First United Methodist-Presbyterian Church of Montgomery City; her smile filled the back pew for over 50 years. Serving the Lord was her life's work. Lavon filled in for the church secretary when needed, was the standing cashier at the annual FleaFlings, and was relentless in gathering school supplies and various other items needed for her church mission projects.

Lavon loved to be surrounded by her family, extending warm hugs and a beautiful smile. She enjoyed going out to eat, watching her grandchildren play, and caring for her flowers. She wore many hats; Girl Scout leader, chauffeur, ballgame gate keeper, friend, cashier, secretary, bookkeeper, missionary, wife, sister, daughter, aunt … the list goes on and on, but the one role that was like no other to Lavon was Mother...

Mrs. Colbert created a legacy in her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She taught them what it meant to love unconditionally and to give, even when you feel you have nothing to offer. She modeled kindness and grace to all that knew her. She was the glue that held her family together in hard times and in blessings. She was the fixer, and creator of happiness; the prayer warrior and protector. She was the solid ground her family was built upon. She will be deeply missed by all those that knew and loved her, but she lives on in each life that was touched and changed because Mildred Lavon Graves Colbert was a part of it.

Mrs. Colbert is survived by her five children: Rodney J. Colbert and wife, Sharon, of Montgomery City, MO; Beverly K. Elifritz and husband, Terry, of St. Peters, MO; Pamela Ludy and husband, Mark, of Jonesburg, MO; Ted Colbert and wife, Kaye Kaye, of Montgomery City, MO; and April McCown and husband, Daryl, of Mexico, MO; eight grandchildren: Jocelyn, Angie, Joshua, Kenna JO, Jessie, Emilee, Chelsea, and Dawson; and fourteen great-grandchildren: Michael, Rylee, Brenna, Kai, Jacob, Hayden, GiGi, Winter, Hadley, Addison, Presley, Cullie, Sawyer and Merrin.  Also surviving are her two sisters:  Wanda Bruner and husband, Leon of Moberly, MO and Kathy Blevins and husband, Tommy of Auxvasse, MO; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mrs. Colbert was preceded in death by her parents, Paul D. Graves and Irene Teacutter Graves and her husband, Millard Joseph "Joe" Colbert.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 AM on Friday, November 2, 2018 at the First United Methodist-Presbyterian Church in Montgomery City, MO.  The Reverend Jason Mirikitani officiated and interment was in the Olney Cemetery in Olney, MO.  Visitation was held on Thursday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the First United Methodist-Presbyterian Church in Montgomery City, MO.  Casketbearers included Josh Ludy, Chad Francois, Alan Schluss, Dawson McCown, Jordan Fricke, Shayne Voss, Jacob Francois, and Michael Ludy.  Honorary casketbearers included Hayden Francois, Cullie Schluss and Kai Ludy.

Memorial contributions are suggested to McChip where money will be used to purchase school supplies for local children, Lavon's favorite Mission, c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, MO   63361.