Uravon (Von) was born on January 6, 1961, in Amarillo, Texas, to Mary Nelson and Willie Loving Sr. From an early age, her life was rooted in faith. She accepted Christ at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Shackleford, where her love for worship first began to shine. As a child, she sang in the choir, and even then, God was preparing the voice that would one day move so many hearts.

And what a voice it was.

If you knew Von, then you knew there was no such thing as singing quietly. She sang so everybody could hear her and we’re grateful she did. That beautiful soprano voice could fill a sanctuary, a room, or your spirit. She didn’t just sing songs; she ministered through them. Whether in the choir stand, directing praise dancers, or simply worshipping freely, Uravon praised God with everything she had. Her voice was joyful, powerful, the kind of voice that made you stop and smile.

Uravon was also gifted beyond the church walls. She played the flute, served as a majorette, and graduated in 1979 from L.G. Pinkston, before continuing her education at Texas College University in Tyler, Texas. Von carried herself with grace, confidence, and determination throughout her life.

As a devoted member of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, she faithfully served in the choir and as praise dance director. She poured her heart into ministry, helping others worship boldly and unapologetically. She loved God deeply, and she made sure everybody around her knew who He was.

But above all titles and accomplishments, Von was family.

She loved fiercely. She laughed loudly. She gave generously. She carried people through hard times, prayed for them when they were weak, and celebrated them when they succeeded. Her presence brought warmth into every room she entered. She was the kind of woman who made people feel seen, welcomed, and loved.

She now joins those who preceded her in death: her beloved daughter Laquita Mitchell; her great-grandmother Mary Betts; her grandmother Willie Lee Dunbar; her nephew George Moss; her brother Carlton Nelson; and her brother-in-law Benard McCuin.

And while we mourn her passing, her legacy continues through those she leaves to cherish her memory: her loving mother Mary Nelson; daughter Marquita Mitchell; grandson Jaden Mitchell; sisters Kathryn McCuin, Dr. Sonja Jackson, Sheryln Loving, Venita Nelson, Lois Jean Loving Stafford, and Salone Loving Hanks; brothers Willie Nelson, Barrett Lawrence Loving, and Willie B. Loving Jr.; nieces Andrea Moss, Chassidy Ingram, and Kiera Nelson; nephews Marcus Loving, Cory Loving, Ladarius Loving, and DeAndre Nelson; her beloved family pets, Fendi and Onyx, and the many godchildren she loved dearly, Tanya Taylor, SaQuiya Saddler, Amayah Fuller, Tamaryen Garrett, Monqua Caldwell, Noell Johnson Jr., and Vincent Jr. and Christian Williams.

Today, while tears fall from our eyes, we can rejoice knowing that Von is no longer suffering. We can imagine her now standing in glory, reunited with loved ones gone before her, singing once again with that same strong soprano voice, only this time in the heavenly choir.

And perhaps heaven got a little louder…

Well done, good and faithful servant.

“You will forever be loved, forever be missed, and forever be cherished in our hearts.”