LaVon Dennison

Christine LaVon Dennison, lovingly known as LaVon or Grami, passed away on July 26, 2024, at the age of 91.

LaVon lived a life marked by kindness, resilience and a deep love for family and friends. She was born on November 10, 1932, in Harlingen, Texas and in 1936 moved with her parents Charles and Mae Nichols to Orland, where she attended all twelve grades of school. She then married Rafael Perez and raised three sons: Chuck, Chris and Clifford. The early years were spent in Red Bluff and Orland and finally Willows where her sons graduated from high school. LaVon lived several years with Clifford and his family, years she loved and treasured. 

While residing in Willows, she worked for the Mendocino National Forest Service for 28 years as a Supervisor’s Secretary to four Forest Supervisors and as an Information Officer. LaVon established her leadership in several Federal and State of California agency positions which resulted in award recognition including: The Penny Pines Project; The Regional Forester’s Certificate of Recognition for “Tremendous Effort During the Fire Siege of ‘87”; United States Department of Agriculture Certificate in recognition of her valuable contribution as a member of the Timber Resources Workload Analysis Group; and special individual recognition from Regional Foresters. Later, LaVon also contracted with the State of California to assist in a group effort to write an Information Officers Manual, which she used for training administrators at several locations across the nation. 

LaVon and thirteen other 1950 Orland High School graduates, who were friends in grammar school through high school, continued their friendship over the years. They affectionately called themselves “The Girls”. Their special friendship led to their attending many weddings, baby showers, group travels, annual reunions, and monthly luncheons creating lasting memories.

After her retirement, LaVon enjoyed traveling, reading, photography, and spending time with her family. In 2006, LaVon extended her family and married Bill Dennison. They lived in Chester until 2012, when they moved to Chico to be closer to family and friends. 

LaVon was preceded in death by her son Chuck, her brother Paul Nichols and sister LaVoice Owen. She is survived by her sons Chris (Rick), Clifford (Janet) and daughter-in-law Kim Perez Presley (Ron), and stepdaughters Robin Culver (Luke) and Trish Duarte (Chase); seven grandchildren and five step-grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren and nine step-great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Chico Area Recreation Department (C.A.R.D.) at 545 Vallombrosa Avenue, September 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. and a reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, or the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.