John Bligh
- Retired Teacher
Lavette Alexander loved teaching math and taught it in Manhattan for 26 years at PS 30 and PS 133, and was a math intervention teacher, math coach and math staff developer at PS 123 when she retired in 2013.
She was 73 when she died of brain cancer in August 2020.
Her daughter Raquel remembers learning how “firm but nurturing” her mother was as a teacher when she heard her making calls to parents in the evening — including one call when she overheard her mother explaining how a student had fallen asleep in the classroom.
For colleague Linder Howard, Lavette was a “gifted math teacher” who loved teaching the upper grades. When students got into disputes, Howard noted, Lavette always explained outcomes.
“If you take that road, that is what will happen; and if you take this one, this is what the outcome will be,” Howard recalls Lavette tell her students, adding, “Lavette never raised her voice.”
Although math was her love, Lavette majored in English at Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia, and earned a master’s degree at City College of New York while teaching.
“She loved to dance, loved life and traveled a lot throughout the United States,” Howard said. “She knew people everywhere.”
Besides her daughter Raquel, Lavette is survived by son-in-law Marlon Jackson; grandchildren Noah and Nia Jackson; two brothers, Walter Tuggle and Arthur Tuggle Jr; and two sisters, Bessie George and Eloise Marks.
On this Mother’s Day weekend I fondly think of my dear friend. I miss her. I send love to all her children she taught over the years and love to her family.
RUTH JONES
Lavette was a great
Educator,neighbor
And friend.You are
Truly missed.Your
Memories will live on
For ever.
I am so honored that we at the Riverton Square Community were blessed with the wisdom, love, caring and support that Lavette gave to her friends, neighbors, fellow retired seniors and her family. She was the proudest mother, grandmother, and mother-in-law you could imagine. She developed our wellness committee because she was so concerned about supporting fellow seniors with health issues. As an advisory council member, she helped to create a thriving Senior Center and was dedicated to making sure she did all she could to live a life full of joy, community service and support. So much love and magic created from one individual. Lavette will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered, by all who were lucky enough to know her. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful tribute.
My mom taught my children and I everything we know and more. Super intelligent and a truly classy lady who loved her family, friends and students.
She is truly missed but we are creating her legacy of excellence in her grandbabies, great-nieces and great-newphews..
I love you Mommy!!❤️❤️❤️
A teacher,friend,sister and aunt. My Aunt Flordia was the educator of the family. She always wanted the best for all of her nieces and nephews. She would always tell our son” Don’t just settle for any opportunities , strive for higher opportunities.” We will always cherish her memories. We love you !❤️
Phillip, Chandra and Jadden Mitchell
IAM so very proud of my Sister, she always had the inner drive that it takes to be secessful in life! She always loved her family! Their was never a dule moment when we was kids , Florida loved playing sports, the love that we have for each other will never depart!!!❤️