Nell Lavonne King, born Nell Lavonne Johnson, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2026, at Heritage House in Paris, Texas. She was 71. Born on April 19, 1955, in Paris, Texas, Nell remained closely tied to the place where her life began, and she died there with a heart ready to go home to see her Lord.
Nell will be remembered with love by those who knew her and by the family who carry her memory forward. She loved all people but was close with few. If Nell was your friend, she was a true friend. She ran a tight ship, but she had a generous heart. She had a spirit for adventure. She loved trying new foods and traveling to new places. She even lived in Alaska for a time. Her adventures were fueled by coffee and sheer will.
When not traveling, she volunteered her time caring for others; children, grand-children, neighbors and friends. She was a member of the Salvation Army’s Women’s League and especially enjoyed helping with their Angel Tree at Christmas. She was a long-time member of the First Pentecostal Church of Paris.
She is survived by her children, Melody Kozlow, Roger King II, and Jessica Schepis. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Brittany Kozlow, Cordale Lindsey, Salem, Hannah and Autumn Schepis, as well as her great-granddaughters, Kylee Karter, Charlee Lindsey, and Lailynn Lindsey and, her ex-husband and always friend, Roger King. Nell is also survived by her brother, Doug Johnson, and her sister, Eunice Johnson, and many nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Glen Johnson, and her sister, Deloris Aycock. Their memories remained part of the family story, and Nell’s life now rests alongside theirs in the hearts of those who loved them all.
A graveside service to honor and remember Nell Lavonne King will be held on November 6, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Rockford Cemetery, Farm Road 1497, Paris, Texas 75462.
