Virginia Ann Lavalle Carlson, 85, passed away Thursday, October 8, 2020 at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. She was born December 26, 1931 to the late Charles Edward LaValle and Laura Allen Riley LaValle. On December 28,1955 she married Jack Carlson who preceded her in death Oil May 13, 1998. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Laura Christy Carlson, brothers Charles Edward and William David LaValle, and sister, Laura Kathleen LaValle Deegan.

Survivors include her son, Patrick Allen Carlson (Robin Fincher) and two siblings, Robert Allen LaValle (Linda) and Mark LaValle. She will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren:

Channing Bess and Olivia Carlson, Logan LaValle Ledbetter and August Virginia McNitt. Other surviving family members include in-laws Dick and Barbara Fisher, Ella and Glodine Lavalle and Michael Deegan, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins, and two special friends, Kathleen Buchanan and Norma Canarillo.

Virginia was an avid reader and history buff. The younger family members all loved her stories, both history in general and stories of their own ancestors in particular. Her wide-ranging knowledge made her an expert, and at family gatherings "all wanted her on their trivia team."

A natural extension of her interest in local history was her commitment to her community.

As a result, the city of New Madrid benefitted greatly from her energy, enthusiasm and dedication. She was the first woman to be elected alderman in the town. She was active with DAEOC at its local inception, volunteering countless hours to ensure the success of the initiative. Virginia, together with Dot Halstead, founded the New Madrid Historical Museum. As a board member [or years, she helped expand and maintain the collections, making it one of the best local museums to be found. For her unswerving dedication to the betterment of her community, she was recognized as Beta Sigma Phi Woman or the Year in 1983.

Virginia Carlson was a woman or strong and enduring faith. As a life-long member of Immaculate Conception Church, she was instrumental in building, the new pre-school building in memory of her daughter, Laura Christy.

A funeral Mass was celebrated at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13,2020 at Immaculate Conception Church with the most Reverend Dominic Ibok officiating. Burial followed in the Evergreen Cemetery. Pall bearers were David LaValle, John LaValle, Matt LaValle, Edward LaValle, Brian LaValle, Lee LaValle, John Allgier and Jack Pipkin. Honorary pallbearers were Larry Rost, Edward, Riley and Bud Henry.

Immaculate Conception Catholic School
560 Powell Avenue, New Madrid MO 63869
Tel: 1-573-748-5183

New Madrid Historical Museum
# 1 Main Street, New Madrid MO 63869