Lavera Ellison

Lavera Ellison, 77, of Beaufort, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025. Born and raised in the coastal town, Lavera remained a true daughter of her beloved hometown throughout her life.

Lavera was a dedicated member of her community, known for her warm personality and ability to connect with everyone she met. She was a proud graduate of Queen Street High School. Proving that learning has no age limit, later in life she went on to earn an associate degree in Criminal Justice from Carteret Community College.

Lavera built a long and fulfilling career at First Citizens Bank, where her friendly demeanor and genuine interest in people made her a beloved presence among customers. Many of these professional relationships blossomed into lasting friendships. Lavera's retirement from the bank coincided with the declining health of her beloved husband, George Ellison. She became his devoted primary caregiver, a testament to her unwavering love and commitment. After George's passing, missing the daily interactions with people that she enjoyed so much at the bank, Lavera found a new outlet for her sociable nature with a part-time role at Stamper's Jewelry Store where, with her sharp wit and a touch of sarcasm, she charmed customers until the store’s closure several years later.

Lavera was deeply involved in civic and educational initiatives throughout Carteret County. She served as an advisory board member for East Carteret High School and dedicated a decade of service as a trustee for Carteret Community College. Her commitment to education extended to her involvement in the PTA, which included a term as president, where she likely kept everyone in line with a smile and a gentle nudge. Lavera’s civic engagement extended beyond the classroom. She was a regular at town board meetings and served on the board of the Beaufort Housing Authority. In addition, she contributed to the electoral process as a precinct election official, including an appointment as chief judge. Lavera was also a proud member of the Carteret County Democratic Women organization. And, lest we forget, she once fearlessly led a troop of Girl Scouts, probably teaching them as much about friendship and community as she did about knot-tying and cookie sales.

While Lavera’s absence will be felt deeply, she leaves a legacy of kindness that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She is survived by her daughters, Annie Ellison-Abrahams and Erica Dawson (Mark Wells); grandsons, Bobby “Trey” Dawson III and Grant Dawson; and a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins; and special friends, Terry and Martha Fulford. Lavera was preceded in death by her parents, Wilhelmina Shepherd and Henderson “Mannix” Godette Jr.; her husband, George Ellison; and her siblings, Annie Greer, Rosie Lee Hyman, Greta Henry, William Shepherd Jr., and Robert Shepherd.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, March 24, 2025, at Bridgeway Church of Beaufort, with Rev. Annie Henry officiating. Burial will follow at Carteret Memorial Gardens in Beaufort. The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at the church on Monday. The service will be live-streamed on the funeral home website at noefs.net.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.net.

Arrangements are by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC.