NATCHITOCHES,LA
Lavenia “Venia” Johnson Box passed away peacefully Jan. 12, 2019 on the Eleanor Worsley Hall of the Natchitoches Community Care nursing home in Natchitoches, Louisiana. She went to be with her Lord and Savior at the age of 80.
Venia was born Nov. 29, 1938 to Lelia Johnson. She married David R. Box, Sr. Nov. 7, 1958 and was a faithful and loving wife to him for 60 years.
They were blessed with three children. Venia and David have been residents of Natchitoches since they married. She worked at the NSU bookstore, Census Bureau, and served the Natchitoches Parish school system for 30 years as a bus driver. After her retirement from bus driving she began to work for the U.S. Census Bureau and always enjoyed meeting the new people that the job brought her to. Venia was very active in Oak Grove Methodist Church for a number of years then served faithfully at Calvary Baptist for many years. Many will remember her for her love for children’s ministry. She always had an activity planned for the children and youth to do.
She was preceded in death by her precious mama, Lelia Johnson, and her sweet infant grandson, Jon David Box. Venia’s sweet life will forever be cherished by her husband, David Box, Sr. and her children: Amanda Saucier and husband Warren, David Box, Jr. and wife Gena, and Angie Perot and husband Andy.
Priceless memories of their Maw Maw will forever be treasured by her eight grandchildren: Chris Saucier and wife Jana, Meghan Bailey and husband Charlie, Brittany Atwell and husband Christopher, Hannah Wenninger and husband Ben, Mallory Box and fiancé Jon Roth, Trent Saucier and girlfriend Jenna Winkler, Whitney Saucier and boyfriend Jacob James, and William Box. The apple of her eye were her eight precious great grandchildren: Sam Bailey, Wyatt Atwell, Lily Bailey, Tucker Saucier, Emery Wenninger, Tatum Saucier, Hattie Bailey, and Marlee Atwell.
She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends. A memorial service celebrating Venia’s earthly life was Monday, Jan.14, 2019 at Calvary Baptist Church with Charlie Bailey and Ralph Johnson officiating. Visitation with the family was 9 a.m. and the celebration of her life was at 10 a.m. Venia donated her body to science so there was no burial.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made to Hospice of Natchitoches or perform a random act of kindness in memory of Venia.
Venia’s family would like to give a very heartfelt thanks to her wonderful friends Mrs. Gloria Cox and Mrs. Majorie Stephens, her tender caregivers; Margaret Williams, Ruby Efferson, and Carley Taylor, her niece Debra Box, her roommate Mrs. Carol Ryan as well as her sweet family, and finally to Hospice of Natchitoches and the staff on the Eleanor Worsley Hall of Community Care nursing home. Both places served her with compassion, love, and dignity.