LaVelle Irby, 97, of Port Neches, Texas passed away on Wednesday, December 23, 2015.

She was born on April 23, 1918 to Tom and Lenora Barker of Buna, Texas. LaVelle graduated from Buna High School and went to Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches to receive a teaching certificate.

LaVelle married F.A. Irby in 1939 and they lived most of their married life in Port Arthur. She later received her degree from Lamar University in 1958 and taught for the Port Arthur ISD until she retired in 1982 with 28 years of service.

LaVelle moved to Port Neches in 1977 and lived there until moving to “Home Away from Home” in 2011.

She was a member of the United Methodist Temple and volunteered in the church office for a number of years.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 28, 2015 at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves.

Graveside rites will be held for family at Antioch Cemetery in Buna on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Guy Williams officiating.

LaVelle was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brother and sister.

She is survived by her two daughters, Sandra Spivey and husband Buddy and Sheila Selkirk and husband Russ all of Port Neches, Texas. LaVelle is also survived by her three grandchildren, Steve Spivey and wife Katrina of San Marcos, Texas, Shelley Dyson and husband Mitchell of Grapevine, Texas and Scott Selkirk and wife Danica of Port Neches, Texas along with six great-grandchildren Jonathan, Mallory, Nicolas, Andrew, Morgan and Orion.

The family would like to give special thanks to her caregivers at “Home Away from Home”, Robin, Jeannah, Shirley, Ronda, Cyd, and Megan.

Memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Temple, 4101 Hwy 73,Port Arthur, Texas 77642 or to the charity of your choice.