LaVenia Sahara Jameson (nee Dean) was born on November 30, 1915 to the late Vincent A. Dean and Angie Beasley in Maderia, Ohio. She departed this life on January 17, 2018 at home surrounded by her loving and caring children at the age of 102 glorious years. She was the youngest of five siblings, Edward Dean, Lorenzo Dean, Barbaretta Dean Moore and Anita Dean Benna, all preceded her in death.
LaVenia was raised in Maderia and attended Cincinnati Public Schools. After graduation she began employment at Frisch’s Big Boy Restaurant on Duck Creek Rd as a waitress and then became the first black Cashier. LaVenia retired from Frisch’s after 25 years of service.
In 1939 she married Everett Irvin Scott and to this union they were blessed with three beautiful children, Everett Nicholas, Gloria Jean (deceased in 2005) and Shirley Francene. He preceded her in death. In1975 she married Samuel Roosevelt Jameson. He preceded her in death in March 1993.
LaVenia was first introduced to Gaines United Methodist Church when her sister Barbaretta took her to church at the tender young age of six years old. She joined Gaines at age 15. Thus her membership at Gaines spans 88 years and she was Gaines oldest member. She faithfully continued to attend and participated in the following activities; Choir Member, Chairperson of The Communion Stewards, Usher Board, Secretary of the Women’s Society of Christian Service (now The United Methodist Women), Chairperson of the Older Adults and served as a member of the Nominating Committee. LaVenia was one of the women featured in “Memories – A Reflection from Women of Gaines United Methodist Church” which was published in 2006. She loved to read almost anything and loved visiting church members.
LaVenia leaves to cherish her memory, son, Everett (Nicky); daughter, Shirley; sister-in-law, Florence Ferguson; grandchildren Angie Dessisso ( of Queens, NY), Kelly Parson (Christa), Michael Green (Tracy), Mark Green (Adria) and Tondalay George (of Los Angeles, CA); ten Great Grandchildren, Michael Jr., Michaela, Machi, Alexia and , Malichi Green, Chris Desembly, Chris and Amber Parson, Ayoka and Irving Dessisso; ten Great-Great Grandchildren, special nieces Annitta Burton and Charlene Benna (of Atlanta, GA), and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and many cherished friends.