Lavada Robinson-Nelson was born on October 26, 1939 to the union of Elder James Otis Robinson and Evelena Robinson in Atoka, Tennessee, who preceded her in death. She was the oldest of her siblings. She loved her family with a capital L. She moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she met and married Hubie Lee Nelson in 1966 and moved to East St. Louis, Illinois, where she was employed by McDonald Douglas. Hubie got his wings in 1996.

Lavada received her education in Atoka, Tennessee.

She was a member of Covenant for forty years and served as an Usher. She also served as the Building Fund Chair. She was a great cook and loved a good conversation. Her favorite color is red and she loved the Cardinals baseball team. Like her name, Lavada, very classy and unique.

She leaves to cherish: her only son ~ Victor Garnett (Lugene); two grandsons ~ Andre and Dontaye Nelson of Las Vegas, Nevada; two great-grandchildren ~ Kayden and SyAri Nelson of Las Vegas, Nevada; six sisters ~ Fannie Franklin (who preceded her in death), Jean Helen Lipkin (Jimmy) of Chicago, Illinois, Charlene Hightower of Compton, California, Evelyn of Chicago, Illinois, Yvonne and Diane (who both preceded her in death); four brother ~ James Jr. (Maggie) of Chicago, Illinois, King Mannel (who preceded her in death), Larry of Covina, California and Calvin of Saint Louis, Missouri; sister-in-law Ernestine Terry of Chicago, Illinois; Velma Donnley of Edwardsville, Illinois; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.