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Lavonn McKnight, born in December 1935, was raised on a farm near Omega, Oklahoma, where she learned the values of honesty, integrity, hard work, and faithfulness from a young age. She graduated from Omega High School in 1954 and went on to earn a degree from Northwestern Oklahoma State University. In 1955, Lavonn married Jon Ted Meier, and they had a son, Mike. The family lived in Alamogordo, New Mexico, and Woodward, Oklahoma, before settling in Alva, where Jon Ted served as a professor at Northwestern. Jon Ted passed away in 1972.
Lavonn began working for Alva Public Schools and later moved to Enid to work as a psychometrist for the Regional Education Service Center. In 1970, Lavonn became the principal of Garber Elementary School and, in 1981, moved on to become the principal of Chisholm Elementary School. She eventually became the principal of the combined Chisholm Elementary and Chisholm Junior High Schools, a role she held with dedication until her retirement in 1991. Lavonn married Richard McKnight in 1984, and together they traveled the world, enjoying their shared adventures.
Lavonn was a tireless volunteer and leader in the Enid community. She was the driving force behind the creation of Enid Lights Up The Plains for Main Street Enid and served as its first director. She dedicated many years to the Board of Directors of RSVP, serving multiple terms as president, and was actively involved in the Meals on Wheels program. Lavonn also contributed her time and efforts to the Child Advocacy Council, where she was instrumental in establishing its annual fundraising luncheon as the chair of its fundraising committee.
Lavonn was deeply committed to her faith and her church community at First United Methodist Church in Enid, where she was an active volunteer. She served in numerous roles, including communion steward, bereavement meal organizer, Sanctuary Guild member, chair of the Christmas Decorations Committee, and Stephen Minister. She was also a board member of the United Way, serving on the Pillar's Committee, and a member of the First United Methodist Church Council. As a devoted member of the United Methodist Women of First Church Enid, she served as president and was a long-standing member and treasurer of P.E.O. Chapter DO.
Her dedication to service earned her numerous accolades. In 1995, Lavonn was named the Oklahoma Department of Commerce’s Main Street Board Member of the Year. In 1997, she was honored as the Enid YWCA’s Woman of the Year and was a recipient of Channel 5’s “Five Who Care” volunteer award. She was also a finalist for the Pillar of the Plains Award in Enid in 2011.
Lavonn McKnight passed away in November 2016, leaving behind a legacy of service, commitment, and love. She was devoted to her husband, Dick McKnight, her son, Mike Meier, and her grandchildren. As a beloved educator and mentor, Lavonn's influence was felt by countless young children, whom she guided and encouraged throughout her career. Her unwavering dedication to her community and her church, as well as her passion for helping others, made her a cherished friend and leader. Lavonn approached every project with full purpose and commitment, making a lasting impact on everyone she met.