August 22, 1954 ~ November 21, 2021
Von passed away early on the morning of November 21, after a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer.
She leaves to cherish her memory: daughter, Angela Johnson and husband, Robby; son, Calvin Itz and wife Brooke; and best friend, Sweetie Lancaster; along with a multitude of family and friends.
Von was beloved Mee Maw to grandchildren: Braiden Tate Johnson, Brytin Tye Johnson Rowe and husband Jarred, Ava Adele Itz and Grant Lloyd Itz.
Von’s bonus Novark children include: Debra Novark, Laurie Novark, and Lisa Edwards; grandchildren: Daniel Jupin, Jeffrey Chaumet, Rebecca Gallion, Gabrielle Gonzalez, Grayson Brautigam, Phoebe Novark; and great grandson, Wesley Gallion, who all reside in the greater Houston area.
Von is the youngest of five siblings. Her siblings are: Irmadean Martin, Sherry Welge, Mike Stewart, and Monica Milton.
She is preceded in death by: her mother and father, Lloyd and Dean Stewart; husband, Jim Novark; and bonus son, David Novark.
Von grew up in Junction, Texas, and was a graduate of her 1972 class. She attended Angelo State University before pursuing her love of cosmetology. In 1974, she married her children’s father, Alva Itz. Together, they were the owners of Itz General Store and Welding in Doss, Texas. Von also enjoyed her years in the community as U.S. Postmaster and owner of Doss Valley Hairstyles. Von and her children then made their home in Fredericksburg where she loved her church family and had fun times with her fellow hairdressers. In 1989, she married Jim Novark and made a new home in the New Waverly, Texas, area. After a successful career in hair styling, Von secured a Human Resources position at TDCJ Huntsville. Von and Jim moved to San Saba, Texas, in 2007. Von opened the new TDCJ San Saba Unit and after 12 years retired and left behind a TDCJ family of friends who affectionately call her “Momma Von.”
These short paragraphs cannot begin to capture her deep faith, generous spirit, unwavering loyalty, and consistent ability to find goodness in all things. Her pride and joy were her children, grandchildren, and family and it is here where her legacy will shine most. Anyone who knew Von, knew the joy that sunsets and white poofy clouds brought to her. She often told her friend, Sweetie, that if people would just look up, they would see God’s beauty. Von also shared that she felt closest to God on her family’s land near Rocksprings, Texas.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Blaylock Funeral Chapel in San Saba, Texas, on Friday, November 26, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. with visitation following the service.
Expressions of affection can be made in her memory to the Never Surrender Cancer Foundation, PO Box 995, San Saba, Texas 76877 .
Arrangements under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home.