Obituary of Julia Estell Lavers

Julia Estell Lavers, age 86, passed away on May 2, 2024, in Ardmore, Okla. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 am, Tuesday, May 7, 2024, in Hillcrest Memorial Park. Julia was born on September 21, 1937 to Fred Marion Ward and Elvie Estell (Boutwell) Ward in Wilson, Okla. Julia gave her life to Christ at the age of eight. Julia was in the choir in school and has been singing throughout her life. She loved singing Gospel music, in solos, in contests, in other groups and at funerals. After graduating from Ardmore High School, she went to work for Stromberg Carlson. She then took a position as the Secretary at the Enon Baptist Association. She married Harold Joe Copeland on April 5, 1956 in Ardmore and from this union came Vanessa, Jodie and Cheryl; that marriage ended in 1972. In 1964, she started the Enon newspaper and she had 32 churches in Southern Oklahoma. She married Russell Bruce Lavers on August 12, 1976 in Ardmore, Okla. Julia loved to bowl and was a member of a traveling bowling team. She also loved to dance and taught dancing at the Moose Lodge. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Russell B. Lavers, one son, Jodie Wade Copeland, four brothers and three sisters. Julia is survived by two daughters, Vanessa Rae Denney and husband, Lonnie of Ardmore and Cheryl Ann Stepp and husband, Jimmy, of Lone Grove, four grand-children; Kim Hegwood, Charles Denney, Joshua Stepp, and Cheyanna Stepp and three great-grandchildren; Haden Denney, Ethan Hegwood and Daxten Stepp. Julia’s family would like to give a special thank you to Cross Timbers for their loving care. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Julia’s name to Cross Timbers Hospice at 207 C St. NW, Ardmore, OK 73401.