Betty Ann (Pace) Lava
October 4, 1935 – June 9, 2025

Betty Ann (Pace) Lava, age 89, went home to be with the Lord on June 9, 2025, following a long, courageous journey with dementia. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Betty’s life was marked by deep faith in Christ, creativity, kindness, and love for family connection and community.

Betty was preceded in death by her loving husband, Raymond C. Lava, Sr.; her parents, W.K. Pace, Sr. and Nellie Amelia Hopkins Pace; her brother W.K. Pace, Jr., her sisters, Tecoah Bruce and Dorothy Hart; her brothers-in-law, Paul Moore, Jack Marchant, Linn Heart and Tom Bruce; and her son-in-law, Pedro Viera.

She was born Elizabeth Ann Pace on October 4, 1935, in Sharon, Mississippi, the third of seven children. When she was a teenager, the family moved to Canton, Mississippi, where Betty traded a one-room schoolhouse for the halls of Canton High School. Like her sisters, she earned a basketball scholarship to Holmes Junior College where she was head cheerleader and voted “Most Popular.” After earning her associate’s degree, Betty followed her sister, Grace, to Pensacola, Florida, where she thrived in both her work as a secretary and the social life of a lively naval base town.

She met her husband, Raymond “Ray” C. Lava, Sr., while working in the personnel department of St. Regis Paper Company. Betty fondly recalled this time in her life – feeling informed and energized in the work environment, engaged with “all that was going on in the world.” Betty and Ray married on August 31, 1963, and welcomed three children – Tia, Katrina and Ray, Jr. A beach girl at heart, Betty designed the blueprints for a house they would build but only occupy for 18 months, for in 1973, the family relocated to Houston, Texas and later settled in Clear Lake. With her gift for organization, Betty kept the household running smoothly. (If an activity didn’t make it onto her calendar, it wasn’t going to happen!)

Betty was a woman of many talents and passions: the family genealogist, antique furniture restorer, seamstress, flower arranger, gardener, artist, poet – and she even dabbled in belly dancing! Her grandchildren fondly recall taking nature walks with “Mama Lava” in search of centerpiece materials to decorate her holiday dining tables. Her culinary skills were unmatched, and her Betty Lava’s Chili recipe even won her 3rd place in a cookoff.

Betty loved God’s Word and actively participated in Women’s Bible Study Fellowship. Rooted deeply in her faith, Betty sought to live out Christ’s will in service to others and shared she loved being used by Him. Most of her prayers at the dinner table ended with, “Now let us go and be God’s people in the world.” Her church involvements included: being a Stephen Minister, forming the “Primetimers” group at University Baptist Church, leading hymn sings (highlighting the story behind the lyrics), reading scripture from the pulpit, planning retreats, and motivating class members to raise funds for Mercy Ships. Known for her pragmatic advice and loving encouragement, she was also an emotional and spiritual support for her sisters. Betty’s loving smile, kind wise words and prayers uplifted all who met her, including her many caregiver aides in her assisted living community. Betty leaves behind a legacy of resourcefulness, compassion, and abiding faith. Though her family members grieve at her passing, they rest in the sure hope of a glorious reunion to come.

She is survived by her beloved sisters: Grace Moore, Carolyn Marchant, and Shirlene Matthews (Dennis); her sister-in-law, Kay Pace; her children: Tia Viera, Katrina Beggs (Jim), and Ray Lava; and her grandchildren: Jacob Mancini (Megan), Joel Mancini (Ashley), Abby Mancini, Greg Beggs (Marianna), Alexandra Beggs (Bill Bradley), and Monica Beggs; Wesley Viera; and Luke Lava and Rachel Lava. Betty also leaves behind great-grandchildren: Nairi Beggs, Taleen Beggs, Willow Mancini, Mateo Mancini, Shiloh Mancini, Macy Mancini, and Lydia Mancini, as well as many nieces, nephews, and their families.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Breeland Funeral Home, 3304 S Liberty St, Canton, MS 39046, followed by a graveside service at Canton Cemetery.