Lava Mae Mason

Lava Mason was born on July 21, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to Joseph and Hazelia Savage. She was a strong, beautiful woman of deep faith who lived a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion to her family.

Raised in the family church, Lava’s spiritual roots were nurtured through her service at Mary F. Butler AME Church in Chicago, Illinois. She later continued her spiritual journey and service at Anderson Chapel in Killeen, Texas, where she touched countless lives with her faith and dedication.

On June 29, she married the love of her life, Raymond Mason, and together they shared 53 wonderful years of marriage. Their union was a true testament to enduring love and partnership, with Raymond faithfully by her side through every chapter of life.

Lava was the proud mother of two daughters, Idalia Tolliver and Lavetta Scott, and she embraced her bonus son, Raymond “Dinky” Hyches (and his wife, Felicia Winston), as her own. Her heart overflowed with pride as her family grew to include her grandchildren—Michelle Walker, Michael (Carmelia) Walker, Frederick Scott, Felicia (John)Richards and Latrice Scott. She delighted in watching the next generations flourish, cherishing her nine great-grandchildren: Nikeria Ray, Frederick Scott Jr., Michael Walker, Jayden Scott, Ciera Walker, Angela Walker, Jahaziel Richards, Malik Trammel, and John Richards IV. Her joy continued with her great-great-grandchildren, Kahlia Johnson, Caroline, and Jeffrey Jeffries III, her family—spanning five generations, which she lovingly referred to as her “5 Gen”.

She also treasured her siblings, Joseph (Mary) Savage Sr. and Joseph (Loraine) Mason, and the love of her nieces and nephews, “Big” Michael Savage (Vanessa), “Big” Michele Savage, Melody Savage, and Joseph “Joey” Savage Jr. (Artissia).

Born and raised in Chicago, Lava later moved to Killeen, Texas, in 1987. In 2020, she relocated to McKinney, Texas, to be closer to her family. Her final years were filled with the love, support, and presence of those who meant the most to her.

Beyond her devotion to family, Lava dedicated many years to her career as a licensed vocational nurse with MHMR. She worked alongside her longtime and trusted friend, John Tolliver, and Dr. D., providing compassionate care to many. She retired with pride, grateful for the opportunity to serve others through her calling.

Lava had a radiant personality and a love for the finer things in life. She enjoyed traveling, spending time with loved ones, flipping through family photo albums, laughing with friends or simply having a wang-dang-doodle as she would say. She was always elegantly dressed, carrying herself with grace and dignity, and even in her final days, she took pride in her appearance.

Her family traditions were uniquely hers—basement parties in Chicago, road trips to Vicksburg, Mississippi, and riding in style in her big “JunejaBoone” van. Holidays were especially memorable, from Christmas mornings in pajamas to the joyful chaos of gift exchanges. Music, food, and laughter filled every celebration, creating a legacy of love and togetherness that will be remembered for generations.

Lava Mason was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. She was not only the matriarch of her family but also its source of strength, warmth, and unconditional love. Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and all those whose lives she touched. Her love knew no bounds, and we will honor her by continuing the traditions she cherished and carrying her spirit with us always.

There will be an Afternoon of Remembrance to celebrate Lava’s life from 3:00-6:00 p.m., Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Allen Family Funeral Options.