Richard L. Lavender Sr.

Richard L. Lavender Sr.Sunrise August 26, 1938 – Sunset November 12, 2016. Richard (R.L.) Lavender was born to James and Susie Mae Lavender in Aliceville Alabama. He is the 3rd of seven children. Richard graduated from Pickens County Training School in 1957, he left Aliceville in his early 20’s and moved to New York, where he began to work for Rockland Psychiatric Center. During this time he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served for six years with an Honorable Discharge in 1968. While living in New York Richard would met his future wife, Myrtice who he married in 1969. They had 3 children – Jacqueline (Jackie), Richard Jr. (Ricky) and Debra (Deb) before moving to the suburbs of New Jersey to raise their kids. Moving to Teaneck in 1972 where they made their life together, Richard & Myrtice joined St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and became active members of the congregation. Later, Richards’ passion for brotherhood and community lead him to join the Masons, where he was an active member of St. James Lodge #98. Richard retired from Rockland Psychiatric Center after 35 years of service, during his retirement Richard was able to spend more time with his grandchildren and later great-grandchildren. He was also able to travel with his wife and enjoy more of his family near and far. Richard is survived by his wife Myrtice, his three children, Jacqueline, Richard and Debra. Siblings, Doris L. Clanzy (Rufus) and Herbert Lavender, one sister-in-law Mollie (Mikki) Johnson, one brother-in-law Clarence (Pete) Anderson. His seven grandchildren, Keith, Jasmine, Janessa, Ashley, Myrtice, Isaiah and Jeremiah. His five great-grandchildren, Keith Jr., Keon, Ke’arah, Sincere and Maddisyn as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends to cherish his memory. These are but a few of the events of Richard’s life, the rest of which are forever recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Friends and family are invited for visitation this Friday from 4-8PM at Volk Leber Funeral Home, 789 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ. A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 10:30AM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 61 Church Street, Teaneck. ALL TO MEET AT CHURCH. Interment will be held on Tuesday, November 22nd at 11AM at New Cemetery, Aliceville, AL. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Richard’s name to Center for Food Action, 192 W. Demarest Avenue, #4, Englewood, NJ 07631.