Lavarna Salley

Lavarna Salley was born July 6, 1934, in Lexington County in the town of Bull Swamp, SC, was the son of the late Mr. Clary and Mrs. Ida Perry Salley.  At an early age, Lavarna was baptized at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Swansea.   He departed this life on August 13, 2019 at Palmetto Health Parkridge Hospital, Columbia, SC.

Lavarna was educated in the public schools in Neeses, SC and graduated from Calvary High School.  After serving in the US Army, he returned to South Carolina.  Shortly, thereafter he relocated to Miami, Florida, and followed his passion as a master gardener, landscaper, and an entrepreneur. He joined St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a faithful member of the usher board and he served with the music ministry until his health no longer permitted.  After living in Miami for over 60 years he relocated to Columbia, SC in December 2018, where he was blessed to reside in Columbia with his youngest brother Michael, who was his caregiver.

He was not a man of many words; he was humble and had a quiet spirit.  He would always say “I’ve gotten what God promised me, three scores and ten plus.” He was a giver of great gifts to everyone he encountered.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Willie Clay Salley Sr, Morris Salley Sr, and Wilbert Salley. 

 He leaves siblings, James Salley of Brooklyn, NY, Elvin Salley Sr. of Swansea, SC, Annie Ruth Rosser of Brooklyn, NY, Betty Lane Payne of Cherry Hill, NJ,   MacArthur (Lenora) Salley of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Michael Salley of Columbia, SC, Charles Salley of West Columbia, SC, Betty A Furtick of Neeses, SC, special friend, Clara Gibson of Miami, Florida, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, to cherish and celebrate his life.

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