Lavata Meadows was born on July 28, 1926 in Auburn, Alabama to the late Jim and Alberta Smith.  She was the fourth of eleven children.  Lavata departed this life on April 9, 2020 at the age of 93.

Lavata was preceded in death by her husband Orlando Meadows (Junior), her son Alfred D. Childs (Tounie) and her grandson Johnnie L. Childs, Jr.

Lavata was baptized at an early age, she was a faithful and dedicated member of Providence Missionary Baptist Church in Pontiac, Michigan and sung in the choir for over 40 years.

Lavata was a hard worker, she worked in private homes for over 30 years and gave it her all while raising her own children and grandchildren.

Lavata was blessed with a wonderful gift of cooking and specializing in all sorts of southern cooking, she enjoyed watching people getting full off her cooking and was known for feeding others.

Lavata had a passion for shopping, and she loved to dress.  Lavata loved to listen to her gospel and blues music on Saturday mornings while doing her house cleaning.  Her favorite saying was "when the going gets tight, give it to the lord, tie a knot and hold on."  She was known in the community as Ms. Lavata, she was kindhearted, loving, and affectionate to everyone who graced her presence, and everybody knew Ms. Lavata loved her family.

She leaves to cherish her memory, (3) children; Linda (Dave) Williamson, Wendy Robinson, Johnnie (Betty) Childs, Sr., (2) Sisters; Mildred Howard in New York, and Helen Smith of Alabama.  (6) Grandchildren; Derricka (Warren) Black, Dalindra Williamson, Deon (Sherry) Meytoyer, Alfred (Kristi) Childs, Damon (Iris) Childs, and Chrissy Childs, (9) Great-grandchildren; Markell Metoyer, Marjhon Metoyer, Deon Metoyer, Jr., Ijeoma Metoyer, Elijah Childs, Kawain Childs, Chantise Childs, Mia Black, Miniya Black and (6) great-great-grandchildren, two special friends; Mrs. Hattie James and Mrs. Marie Hearn.  Also survived by a host of other loving relatives and friends.

A Family Gathering will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at Cobb's Funeral Home Chapel 151 Orchard Lake Road., Pontiac, Michigan, from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m.  Mrs. Meadows will not be shown during the family gathering.

(DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS-19 THERE WILL BE A LIMIT ON VISITORS)