Lavanda Sue SchwertnerBradyLavanda Sue Murray Schwertner, 74, of Brady, passed away on Monday, Jan. 9, 2017, at her home surrounded by her family. Visitation will be held on Sunday, Jan. 15, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., with Rosary from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home in Brady. Mass will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Brady with interment in Rest Haven Cemetery in Brady.Lavanda was born on Aug. 31, 1942 to Thomas Earl and Genevieve (Minor) Murray in Coleman, Texas. She was a lifelong resident of Doole and Melvin. She married Alfred Schwertner in Brady, Texas at St. Patrick's Catholic Church on Dec. 2, 1961. She received her license to be a LVN in 1963 and began working as a LVN at Concho County hospital in 1964. Lavanda went back to nursing school and graduated from Angelo State University School of Nursing in 1972, and received her RN License. In 1974, she became the Director of Nursing at the Heart of Texas Memorial Hospital of Brady until 1992. Upon resigning in 1992 as Director of Nursing, she continued working as a Charge Nurse at the Heart of Texas Memorial Hospital until 2007. Afterwards, due to her love of nursing and caring for others, she worked part-time at Medway Home Healthcare as Staff Nurse and Brady West on the weekends as an RN supervisor. Lavanda continued working until Sept. 2012, at which time she had to quit nursing due to her own health. She always looked forward to returning to the healthcare field to give to others. She maintained her Registered Nursing License even through her own struggle and journey. In her spare time you could find her in a quilt store or at the sewing machine quilting or sewing formal dresses for many occasions. She even made several wedding dresses for family and friends. Living on the farm at Melvin, she spent many hours gardening and canning. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Alfred, of Melvin; three sons, Calvin and wife Amy of Melvin, Timothy and wife Delaine of Brady, and Patrick and wife Kimberly of Brady; one daughter, Pamela Schwertner and Grant Jones, of Brady; grandchildren, Zack Schwertner and wife Betty Lou, Whit Schwertner, Krysta Demere, Chase Demere and wife Abby; Amanda Shelby and husband Jim Bob, Nicole Nickerson and husband Matt, Quinton Schwertner and wife Kelsey, Blake Friar and Brittne McDonald, Dana Outlaw, Kelly Muniz and husband Ernest, MaKenzie Schwertner, Landon Schwertner, Hanna Jo Monroe, Jayce McKinney, Rylee McKinney; great-grandchildren, Owen and Oliver Shelby and one Shelby on the way, Kamrynn and Reagynn McDonald, Kyla Friar, Brantley Outlaw, and Leighton Demere; one sister, Lavada Davis of Melvin; sister-in-laws, Gloria Murray, Loulene Black and husband Steve, Janice Carter and husband Tommy; brother-in-law, Anthony Schwertner and wife Beth; and numerous nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Woodrow Jack Murray and Charles Earl Murray.The family would like to express special thanks to Angela and Onnie Gonzales, Mariah Gonzales, Marcus Murray, Kathy Johnstone, Janie Bara, Lisa Kidd, Sherry Hamman, Christie Poe and all others that have given their time and love to our mother throughout her journey.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hope from Heart c/o Brady Clergy Association, P.O. Box 1207, Brady, TX 76825.Please view Lavanda's online memorial at heritagefuneraltx.com.