Mary Ellen Sweet Lavas, known to her family as Mary, but after she was married, known to most everyone by Ellen, was the youngest of five children born to Edward and Carrie (Morris) Sweet. She was born in Evergreen, Alabama, but the family relocated to Florida, where Mary Ellen grew up. Surrounded by love & great faith, Mary Ellen remembered Daddy Sweet putting their last five dollars in the offering plate, and saying to Mama Sweet, The Lord will provide. Sure enough, that afternoon they received a big bag of groceries. From the time she was little, Mary Ellen has a desire to tell others about Jesus. She was just three years old when she got up on a porch rocker and preached to the flowers, leading them in a rousing rendition of HE AROSE . . . Up from the grave He aROSE . . . and swinging her arms up mightily, she threw herself over the back of the rocker, requiring several stitches in her head!

Years later, in 1955, while working for the Air Corp as a civilian, Mary Ellen went to Chateauroux, France, where she fell in love with George Lavas, a dashing young American Greek radar engineer . They had a daughter, Jennifer, in 1957, and a son, Jeffrey, in 1961. But in 1965, just short of his fourth birthday, Jeffrey passed away after complications during a routine eye surgery. George was devastated, but marveled at how his wife, supposedly the weaker, more emotional one, demonstrated such great faith in Gods Providence, even while mourning the loss of Jeffrey. It was her living testimony over the next four years that directed George to commit his life to Christ.

Ellen didnt stop there though! She went on to become part of an organization that epitomized her passion to spread the Gospel message to children: Child Evangelism Fellowship. Through the training and support of this ministry, Ellen became a Good News Club Teacher and held weekly neighborhood Bible Clubs using flannel-graph stories, songs, Bible memory contests, and a lot of love. Many children came to know and love the stories of Jesus, accepting Christ into their hearts.

Mary Ellen and George traveled all over the United States, always including family and friends on their travel itinerary. George would prepare with in-depth research and armed with everything the Triple A (American Automobile Association) had available! They would start off from their home in Southern California to destinations all over the nation, for hitting the road was their version of freedom!

When Mary Ellen was diagnosed with Alzheimers, George cared for her faithfully in their home until he was diagnosed with leukemia. After that diagnosis, they moved to Texas to live with Jennifer and her husband, Alan. Georges incredible life planning and his faith in God allowed him to participate in the decision-making process of locating a safe, loving place for Mary Ellen, and as heart-breaking as that was, we all are so very thankful for those at Silverado, Bee Cave, Texas, who loved & cared for her in every possible way. Their genuine compassion made all the difference.

Mary Ellen leaves behind her daughter and her son-in-law, Jennifer and Alan Wassel, her grandchildren, Carrie Wassel, Philip Wassel, his wonderful wife, Shannon (& Baby Aiden, due shortly), and Tracy Wassel who has special needs, & who always loved seeing her GranMa-Ma. She also leaves many dear cousins, nieces and nephews who remember her for her unselfish love for others& her open commitment to the Lord, with her strong desire to share Jesus with the world.