LaVerne Bass Coats, age 79, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 19, 2021, at her home with family by her side. LaVerne was born on October 7, 1942 in Sampson County to the late Anderson and Effie Collins Bass.
A longtime member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, LaVerne was involved in many capacities over the years, she loved her church family and was always there to work and lend a helping hand. LaVerne loved baking! During church fundraiser times, her kitchen always had the sights, sounds and delicious smells of cakes baking and her famous banana pudding being made. She loved to send cards to family and friends on every holiday, everyone always looked forward to receiving them. It blessed so many of the older adults and shut-ins to know that she always remembered them during the year. It was even a greater blessing for her! Even in her last days, the Christmas cards needed to go out, one more time....
LaVerne retired from the Johnston County Health Department after 41 years of service. She also served as the Deputy Registrar for all birth and death certificates for many years. She enjoyed working with and helping the citizens of Johnston County.
Her granddaughters were so very special to her. She loved each of them..... But when those great grandchildren were born - there was nothing else like it! Even in her final days, she loved to see them and hear those precious voices. There was a special place in GiGi's heart for all of them.
She is survived by her daughter, Rose C. Matthews and husband, Timmy; grandchildren, Summer Carroll and husband, Cary; Candace Matthews Depp and husband, Tim; April Matthews; great grandchildren, Charley Carroll, Colton Carroll, Rilan Matthews, Lilah Matthews, Raegan Matthews and Bailey Matthews and her faithful and loving dog, Susie. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her husband, Parker R. Coats; daughter, Kathy C. Dodson; brother, Jessie Ray Bass and her sister, Loraine Strickland.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 11:00am at Mt Zion United Methodist Church with the committal service following at Pinecrest Memorial Park Mausoleum in Clayton. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at McLaurin Funeral Home from 6:00 until 8:00pm. The funeral service will be live streamed through the Facebook page of Mt. Zion UMC and the committal service through the Facebook page of McLaurin Funeral Home. While flowers are accepted, memorial contributions may also be made to Mount Zion United Methodist Church 15772 NC 50 Garner, NC 27529. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Coats family may be entered below within the "add a memory" tab.
