Myrttle Lavelia Blaine Brandon was the second of seven children born to the late Harvard and Lucy Blaine in Bumpus Mills, Tennessee, on October 11, 1914. She confessed a belief in Jesus Christ at an early age and lived a life consistent with that belief. She graduated from Pearl High School in Nashville, TN, and attended West Kentucky Vocational School in Paducah, KY, where she studied Teacher Education for one year.

She married Eddie Lavenia Brandon on April 14, 1936. Six children were the results of this union: Bobby (Robbie Nell) Leonard Brandon, Knoxville, TN; Delmus Wardell Brandon, Benton Harbor, Michigan; Carl Edward Brandon, Murray, Kentucky; Patricia (Dennis) Ann Brandon Jackson, Paducah, KY; Dr. Leslie Jerome Brandon and Charles Brandon, both of Lithonia, GA. She has nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She moved to Murray, Kentucky in 1941 and resided there until her health necessitated that she live with her children. She was quite a pillar of strength and love and was affectionately called "MA" by many who knew and loved her. She constantly tried to help improve the lives of those around her and was one who championed the underdog. Lavelia had a very strong nurturing nature that made her a GREAT MOTHER. Much of her life was lived for her children and she said, on more than one occasion, that her children had brought much joy to her life, thus her family was her life. She traveled with and visited her children often. Daytona Beach, Florida, was her favorite place to visit and spend time. Her second favorite spot to visit was Taco Bell where she pleased her appetite with tasty tacos. She was quite fond of bowling, quilting, and writing poetry and especially reading her favorite poem entitled "Intensive Care for the Nurturer Soul", author unknown. One could find Lavelia helping the elderly in the community, taking them around to places they needed to go. Oftentimes, her concern for others put her own needs last. She would do anything for anybody who requested her assistance.

Lavelia is survived by her six children; one brother Coolidge (Julia) Blaine of Louisville, KY; nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was a faithful member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church until her health began to fail her. She had served as an usher and was a member of the Missionary Society, the Pastor's Aide and Culinary Arts Committees and remained a member there until her death.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Edd, "Bumpus Mills" who died on February 7, 2005. She was also preceded in death by her two sisters Alexia Winston and Stokley Clifford; three brothers Elmer C. Blaine, Leslie Blaine and Glen Blaine.

Lavelia went home to be with her Lord and Savior from Western Baptist Hospital on January 30, 2009, at 5:00 p.m., after an extended period of illness. At the time of her demise, Myrttle Lavelia Blaine Brandon was 94 years, 03 months, and 19 days of age. She leaves a legacy of love, nurturing and caring unsurpassed in the view of those that knew her best. She was a fighter through her health struggles during the last years of her life. From her children we say, "Mother, you will truly be missed. May you forever rest in peace."

"The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.
Blessed be the name of the Lord."