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Lavon Lee Lewis Slagle, 91, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2026. Born on March 3, 1935, she spent her life rooted in love, faith, and family, with ties to Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, and Richmond, Virginia.
Lavon was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who cherished her family above all else. She had a deep and abiding faith and found great joy in attending Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia, where she was a dedicated member of the choir. Singing brought her happiness, and her church community was a central part of her life.
She had a passion for travel and created many treasured memories journeying with her church groups across the country and abroad. At home, Lavon had a gentle and nurturing spirit that extended to all living things. She lovingly cared for stray cats that found their way to her door, always making sure they were fed and safe.
Lavon found peace and joy in nature. She loved tending to her flowers and plants, spending countless hours outdoors in the warm weather. Whether feeding the birds and squirrels in her yard or nurturing her garden, she embraced the simple beauty of everyday life.
Above all, Lavon desired to be close to her family, and her love for them was constant and unwavering. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her kindness, warmth, and generous heart. Lavon was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Henry Slagle; her brothers, Howell Lewis and Floyd Lewis; and her sisters, Hazel Lewis Parrish and Armeda Lewis. She is survived by her son, Christopher Mark Slagle and his wife, Cynthia Hannah Slagle; and her grandson, Christopher Jacob Slagle.
In accordance with Lavon’s wishes, she will rest back home in the family cemetery in Richmond. Funeral and burial arrangements are pending. Bennett Funeral Homes Glen Allen, VA Chapel is in charge. Please share expressions of comfort at www.gallopfuneralservices.com Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with local arrangements.

Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was founded in Nags Head, NC in 2006 by licensed North Carolina Funeral Director Courtney N. Gallop. This independent, minority and woman-owned start-up funeral home challenged the existing monopoly firm which had sole control of all funeral care, goods, and services provided in Manteo, the Outer Banks, and Currituck County for nearly 100 years.
Finally - someone brought competition into the local funeral industry. As a direct result of Gallop Funeral Services, Inc., local families now have choices, options, alternatives, fairer pricing, flexibility, and a higher level of service in funeral care for their loved ones.

In 2016, Gallop Memorial Chapel was opened in Barco, NC. The spacious, newly remodeled facility is the first and only funeral service-related business ever to locate in Currituck County. The Barco Gallop Memorial Chapel is conveniently located near the Outer Banks, Moyock and Elizabeth City. The elegant yet relaxing chapel interior is welcoming and comfortable for viewings, family gatherings, funerals, and memorial services. Our Barco chapel is perfectly equipped to serve all faiths and families in the county.
Courtney Gallop and the staff at Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. are committed to excellence. We continue to improve, grow, invest, and learn in order to provide the highest level of service for all families entrusted to our care.

In 2011, we built and established Capital Crematory, the first and only crematory ever in Dare County. The crematory supports Gallop Funeral Services and also provides professional cremation services for other funeral homes in the Albemarle area. Having our own local crematory means your loved one's cremation will be handled personally by owners of the funeral home, 100% locally, quickly, and at the best pricing.