JoVenna Price
Godfrey | Save
JoVenna Lafikes Manns Price, 90, died at 10:25 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2019 at Eunice Smith in Alton. She was born July 5, 1929 in Alton the daughter of the late Samuel and Blanche (Steele) Balaco. She attended Marquette Catholic High School and graduated from SIUE with a degree in special education. She worked as a mental health specialist at the Alton State hospital. She retired from the Alton State hospital but continued to serve others by volunteering for hospice and serving at the hospital as a greeter. On February 27, 1949 she married Louis Lafikes, he preceded her in death in 1969. On September 21, 1977 she married Edwin Manns, he preceded her in death in 1984. In 1997 she married J. Price, he preceded her in death May 2017. Surviving are three sons, George Lafikes (Diane) of Glen Carbon, Louis Lafikes (Christine) of Alton and Sam Lafikes (Kristine) of Rushville, IL, seven grandchildren, Christopher Lafikes, Jonathan Lafikes, Lisa Stark, Samantha Diaz, Stevie Harrison, Tony Lafikes and Nicky Lafikes, nine great grandchildren and one sister, Amanda Borkowicz of Park Forest, IL. and many nieces and nephews who she loved as well. She raised her three sons as a young widow providing a loving home, college educations and a moral direction in life. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grand children and great grandchildren. She always had advice and wisdom to share for any occasion. She was selfless when it came to the raising and care of her family and never once thought about her own needs. She was deeply loved by her children and grandchildren and will always carry a special place in their hearts. She now will rest with her still born daughter, Rose Ann, whom she always remembered. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Lotteo Balaco and Nicholas Bavis and one sister, Christina Gennaro. Visitation will be Tuesday, October 22, 2019 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Gent Funeral Home in Alton where a memorial service will be Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey. Father Steven Janoski will officiate. Memorials may be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Additional information and online guest book may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com
Gent Funeral Home
