Lounette Hoskins Vaden
She was intelligent; she had a wicked sense of humor; she was extremely generous; she was talented in so many ways. Yet the characteristic that comes to mind when thinking of Lounette is she cared – about her family, her friends, her co-workers, and those less fortunate. She gave of her time and her money, but primarily, she gave of herself.
She and her sister, Caroline, were close in age, yet Lounette was always the big sister nurturing her sister through their growing-up years and generating a love that grew as they became adults with their own families. When her own daughter arrived, Lounette was fiercely protective of her child, willing to do battle before she would allow any harm to come to her daughter. The greatest gift she ever gave her dad and me was her willingness to come home to see us through some serious illnesses. She saw the need and responded with her characteristic willingness and cheerfulness.
Her help extended to others beyond her family. School classmates looked to her when they needed some comfort and encouragement, and she always came through for them. Her co-workers sought her out when problems arose to which they had no ready answer. Her personal friends recognized the loyalty she had for them, not just in a time of need, but every day.
In the months prior to the medical problem that claimed her life, she spent a great deal of time volunteering in the start-up of a brand new church. She gave untiringly of her time and energy to help insure a successful launching of the church. On the last day just before her illness she knocked on doors to invite people to visit the church and eagerly looked forward to the “grand opening” service.
Lounette loved life and people. She gave of her time, her energy and her love. Those she has left behind will always remember her bright smile and her endearing personality that made Lounette the wonderful human being she was.
