VIRGINIA BEACH—Ruth Lavender died Sept. 6, 2007, in her home.

A native of Crewe, she was the daughter of the late Harlen B. Norton and the widow of Willie Bayes Lavender.

Mrs. Lavender retired from Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital after 31 years as coordinator of the Neurology Sleep Study and Respiratory department.

She was a member of First Baptist Church of Norfolk.

Survivors include her mother, Irene A. Norton of Pace, Fla.; a daughter, Tricia L. Evans and her husband Dan of Virginia Beach; and four sons, Robert E. Lavender of Southampton County, Ricky A. Lavender and wife Molly of Moyock, N.C., George Patrick Lavender and wife Mary of Forest, Va., and Michael Hamilton Lavender of Norfolk; her sister, Diane Maloney of Miami, Fla.; a brother, George Norton and wife Ellen of Pace, Fla.; 10 grandchildren, Robbie, Melissa, Ryan, Jacob, Bryant, Chelsea, Wyatt, Trenton, Autumn and Hunter; three great-grandchildren; a special friend, Velma Wilson; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a special friend, Charlotte Finn.

A funeral was conducted Monday in Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel, with Chaplain George Rodriquez officiating.

A graveside service was held Tuesday in Eastern Shore Chapel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.