Fannie L. Gavin was born on March 27,1942 in Summerland, MS to Alma and Roosevelt Keys. She was an only child. She dedicated her life to the Lord at an early age at Pine Valley Baptist Church. Her family moved to Joliet,IL at the age of 5.
She is survived by a husband of 51 years John E. Gavin. And two daughters Erinn Gavin and Leigh (Gavin) Tarullo, Son in law Jon Tarullo and twin grand daughters Mary and Elizabeth Tarullo.
She attended Central High School and graduated with honors. Then she futhered her
education and graduated from University St. Francis in Joliet, IL with her Bachelor’s degree with honors also. She married and resided in the same town that her parents settled in and started a family. She began working for District 86 and taught elementary students for 36 years. She loved to share her love for reading and learning.
After she retired she became active in church at her beloved Second Baptist Church. Participating in choir, missions and other committees and the giving a helping hand whenever needed. This was her second home.
4 and a half years ago she welcomed her greatest joys, her twin granddaughters Mary and Elizabeth. Which she spent as much time as possible enjoying being a grandmother.
She was loved by her extended family with a host of aunts and cousins which she was so proud to be related to. Even though she was an only child she was affectionately called “Aunt Fannie” by her younger cousins. She loved her cousins. She had a lot of close childhood friends who were like sisters Francine Stevens, Beverly Gibson, Toni Collins and Freida Sullivan.
She was a special caring person who always checked in on others or sent a note of encouragement. She would always offer prayer and kind words. Our hearts are heavy because we lost our “light”. My mother, wife and grandmother will be missed dearly. She left a lifetime of love.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Fannie Lou Gavin, please visit our floral store.