Lauzanne Sims Casson

Lauzanne was born on March 7, 1932 to Leonard and Beuna Sims at their home in Hokes Bluff, Alabama. Lauzanne accepted Jesus as her Savior and Lord while living in Alabama. She moved with her parents and sister Belinda to New Port Richey in 1947. She joined First Baptist Church of New Port Richey in July of 1947. From that day forward, she was involved in First Baptist Church in both the nursery and youth programs. She and Walt were actively involved in mission trips, through both First Baptist Church New Port Richey, Florida and Fifth Street Baptist Church Key West, Florida.

Walt and Lauzanne took several mission trips to Brazil and close to 30 mission trips throughout the United States. The mission trips in the United States were focused on sharing the Gospel through summer Vacation Bible Schools (VBS). The VBS mission trips were organized by her sister and her brother-in-law Ed. At times she even drove the motor home!! Lauzanne had the blessing of having her two grandchildren join her and Walt on many of the trips.

On Christmas Day, 1955, Lauzanne married Walter A. Casson, Jr. at First Baptist Church of New Port Richey and their reception was held at the Hacienda Hotel. This past Christmas, Walt and Lauzanne celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Their marriage was a true example of love, commitment, sacrifice and God’s grace. Everyone could see that the Lord was the Cornerstone of their marriage and all of their relationships. 

Lauzanne graduated from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama. She taught first through third grade at Pierce Elementary and then Richey Elementary School for over 26 years. She was honored to be named “Teacher of the Year”. Her students include many past and present community leaders in New Port Richey and Pasco County. Her passion for educating and mentoring students continued throughout her life. 

She was also a charter member of the Junior Service League of Greater New Port Richey, Florida. Lauzanne was always concerned with helping others through volunteer opportunities.

She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, church and community. However, her smile and laughter will be missed the most.

Lauzanne is survived by her husband Walter Casson; son Leonard Casson (Susan); grandchildren Andrew Casson (Leigh) and Emily Kiser (Kramer); great-grandchildren Nolan and Miles Casson; sister Belinda Boza (Edward) and niece Vista Ray (Stephen).

Visitation and services will be held Tuesday, January 6 at First Baptist Church of New Port Richey, 6800 Trouble Creek Road, New Port Richey, Florida 34653. Visitation 1:00 pm until 2:30 pm. Service at 2:30 pm with interment to follow at Meadowlawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to honor Lauzanne may be made to the First Baptist Church of New Port Richey Volunteer Missions Fund.