Ida Lavender

Ida M Lavender was born to the late Jerry Jackson and Emma Lawrence, in Nashville Tn on September 8,1941. She married Richard Lavender Jr. in 1961 until his death in January 1991 with this union they had 5 children. Ida accepted Christ at an early age at Mt. Paran Primitive Baptist Church. As a young child Ida found her love for singing and playing the piano, she went on to play and sing at several churches over her lifetime.

Sis. Ida M Lavender became a member of Mt. Paran Primitive Baptist Church at an early age and quickly grew into a vibrant part of the church family. As a teenager, she lifted her voice in the choir, and as a young adult, she stepped into the calling that would define her life—serving as a church musician of Mt. Paran Primitive Baptist Church. Sis. Ida, as she was affectionally called, loved Mt. Paran PBC and Mt. Paran PBC loved her.

She served faithfully as the musician for First Baptist West Nashville Missionary Baptist Church for many years, and later for Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Enoch Fuzz, where she played for eighteen years. Her reputation as a gifted songstress and musician grew, and she became widely known throughout the Nashville area. Churches, choirs, and families frequently called upon her to play for services, programs, and funerals, trusting the anointing that rested on her music.

In 1997, Sis. Lavender reunited with Mt. Paran Primitive Baptist Church, returning home to the place where her spiritual journey began. She became the musician for the Children’s Choir, Adult Choir, and Male Chorus, serving with unwavering dedication for more than thirty years—continuing until her health declined in the fall of 2025. Even after her official retirement in 2023, she continued to play without salary, offering her gift freely and joyfully. When it was needed, Sis. Ida purchased a keyboard for the church. Her commitment was steadfast, her faithfulness unmatched. Being the church musician was not simply her role, it was her ministry, her calling, and her love.

Sis. Lavender was known for her gentle spirit, her quiet strength, and her deep devotion to the work of the Lord. She embodied faithfulness in every sense of the word. Her music carried comfort, joy, and the presence of God. Her life was a testimony of what it means to serve with humility, excellence, and heart.

Ida is preceded in death by: Husband Richard Lavender Jr., Mother Emma Lawrence, Father Johnny Lillard, Grandmother Maggie Johnson, Grandfather Johnny Lillard, Brother Norwood Hutchinson, Son Ronald Lillard, Daughter Latoya Y. Ewing, Grandson(s) Stefan, Dominique, KeAnthony Lavender, Great Granddaughter Stephanie Lavender.

Ida leaves to cherish her memory; loving daughter(s), Natasha Lillard, Angela (Donald), Melody, Kim Lavender, Sons, Richard III (Janet) and Reginald Lavender Sr. Neice Bridgett Benson, Grandchildren; Nakeisha Butler, Jamie Nunn, Ieasha, Demetria, Keyanna, Angela, Latasha, Brittany, Coty, Latoya, Justice, & Nicole Lavender, Antonisha & Latonya Brown, Renisha (Deon) Watkins, Monique Jenkins, Byron(Ariel) & Ebony Avant, Reginald Baugus, Reginald(Mikecia) Lavender Jr. Shamond Dillard, James Johnson Jr., 50 Great-grandchildren, and 6 Great Great grandchildren. Devoted friend(s) Ralph Latimore Sr. Doris Wade, Linda Gilbert, and Donzella Geter, God Daughter Goldie Garrett.