LORRI JEAN BIGGER CAVINS

May 7, 1959 - Aug. 28, 2012

The world forever changed on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 when Lorri Jean Bigger Cavins passed away following a lengthy and valiant battle with cancer. She was 53 years old. Lorri was born on May 7, 1959 in Brawley, Imperial County, California to her father, the late Frank Bigger and her mother, Phyllis (Gorham) Bigger. Lorri was a gifted student and, at an early age, understood the value of having a good solid education. She graduated from Central Union High School in El Centro, California in 1977. Later, she attended San Diego State University in California where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Education. Finally, Lorri received her Masters Degree in Administration of Education from Redlands University, also in California. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, both in El Centro, California and Show Low, Arizona. Lorri loved teaching younger children. While teaching, her favorite students were those found in the Kindergarten and first grade classes! With all of her heart, she loved teaching others and made a lifetime commitment to do so. Lorri began her career as a Kindergarten teacher at Mulberry School in Brawley, California. Prior to leaving California she was employed at Meadows Union School in El Centro. Lorri also spent 3 years at the State of Arizona Deaf and Blind School located on the Navajo Indian Reservation; a position she truly loved and appreciated the privilege of tending to the needs of those wonderful children. When Lorri wasn't busy in the classroom, she frequently could be found at local garage sales and second-hand stores looking for antiques and other things she considered to be "treasures". She would take those old and worn out items and with a lot of labor and love turned them into beautiful "new" treasures for everyone to appreciate and enjoy. Lorri was truly a family person and loved to spend as much time as she possibly could with her own family. She was so very proud of her 3 children, her husband and had a special love and bond with her nieces, nephew, great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as the rest of her extended family. The love she received from her mother was a source of strength to her throughout her life and she was able to pass that same care, consideration and respect along to her own children. Lorri is survived by her large family, including: her husband, Don Cavins of Show Low, Arizona; 3 children, Noah Cavins of Show Low, Arizona, Phillip Cavins of Show Low, Arizona, and Donielle Cavins of Show Low, Arizona; her mother, Phyllis Gorham of Show Low, Arizona; 2 sisters, Terri (Buddy) Burke of Bakersfield, California, and Sherri (Mark) Hall of El Centro, California; brother, William Cook of El Centro, California; 3 step-sons, Sean (Tania) Cavins of Lexington, Kentucky, Mike (Heather) Cavins of Marysville, Ohio, and Wes Cavins of Perris, California; 5 step-grandchildren as well as her extended family members and close friends. Lorri truly will be missed by everyone whom have had the honored privilege to know her. A special memorial service for Lorri will begin at 1 p.m., Saturday, September 15, 2012 at the First Christian Church, 450 Waterman in El Centro, California. Lorri's family is thankful for all the expressions of sympathy they have received and are especially grateful for the prayers offered up on their behalf. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the 403 N Agassiz Suite 1, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 or to the ACS division of your choice.