Esther Lavada (Gray) Burkey

Esther Lavada Burkey, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully passed away on November 29, 2023, at Coleman County Medical Center at the age of 89.

Esther was born on August 5, 1934, to her late parents, Willie Lee Gray and Annie Merle Walker Gray Trent, in Coleman County, Texas. She embraced life with grace and kindness, leaving an everlasting impact on all who knew her. As a homemaker, Lavada dedicated her life to creating a warm and loving environment for her family.

During her working years, Lavada was employed at the soda factory, the tile factory, and later became an invaluable member of the staff at Holiday Hill Nursing Home. Her nurturing and caring nature extended beyond her home, as she touched the lives of those in her community as well.

Lavada will forever be remembered as a devoted and loving mother to her sons, Cory Burkey and Craig Burkey and wife Deidra. She took immense pride in witnessing her family grow and cherished her role as a grandmother to her grandson Aaron Burkey and wife Ruth. She also held a special place in her heart for her great-grandchildren, Ashton Burkey and wife Chaunci, Eavon Burkey, and Zachary Burkey, and her great-great-grandson, Kelvin Burkey.

Lavada maintained a close bond with her brother, Dan Gray and wife Claudia, who shared many cherished memories together. Their sibling bond was a testament to the enduring love and support they provided each other throughout their lives.

Lavada is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Carol Douglas Burkey; one sister, Ann Collins; and two brothers, Dean Gray and Glenn Gray.

The family will host a visitation at 12:30 p.m. follow by a funeral service celebrating her life at 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 1, 2023, at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Bob Martin officiating.  Interment will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery.  Services are entrusted to Stevens Funeral Home, 400 W. Pecan Street, in Coleman.

Esther Lavada Burkey leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and kindness. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Lavada’s honor be made to Elm Street Church of Christ, P.O. Box 998, Coleman, Texas 76834. Your contribution will serve as a meaningful tribute, reflecting Lavada’s lifelong commitment to helping others.

We invite you to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Burkey family by signing the guestbook on Lavada’s tribute page at www.stevensfuneralhome.com.  Stevens Funeral Home is honored to serve the Burkey family.