LaVerne V. Smolik

LaVerne was born in Hungerford, Texas on August 12, 1934 to Frank and Frances Vecera.

LaVerne has lived in Katy for more than 65 years, where she was a founding member of St. Bartholomew, Epiphany of the Lord, and St. Faustina Catholic Churches.

LaVerne loved life, and most of all, her family and many friends of whom she was endlessly supportive.

At church, she sang for many years in the choir and participated in wedding and funeral ministries and hospice. She loved games, dancing, travel, and the Astros. She also loved being on the water and spent many weekends in Sargent entertaining family and friends at the beautiful creek house she and her beloved companion Jay built there together. LaVerne had a passion for travel and was always looking ahead to the next journey to another piece of the world that fascinated her.

For 29 years LaVerne served as postmaster of the historic Barker post office, which she fought to preserve. She was loved by co-workers and patrons alike and was instrumental in elevating several clerks to supervisory positions.

Devoted to her children and grandchildren, LaVerne always said they were her greatest accomplishment. She is survived by her seven children, Neil Smolik (Cindy), Cody Smolik, Rian Smolik, Blain Smolik (Leslie), Beth Dodson (Jeff), Kent Smolik (Kimberly), and Ellen Madden; stepchildren Kelly and Cory Stewart; grandchildren Jennifer Henson (Ki), Jaclyn and Erica Smolik, Laura and Ben Smolik, Brittany, Jessica and Amy Dodson and Andrew Madden; step grandchildren Arron and Aiden Madden; great grandchildren Logan and McKenna Henson; sisters Sylvia Priesler and Bernadette Champiomont; sister-in-law Maybelle Vecera; numerous nieces and nephews; treasured family friend and care giver Donna Reilly and many other friends, including those of her Bunco group of 40 years. Laverne was preceded in death by Jay Stewart, grandson Michael Smolik, brothers Constant and Frank Vecera, brothers-in-law Roy Champiomont and Leonard Priesler and sister-in-law Mildred Vecera, and her parents.

LaVerne’s faith in God helped her through many rough times and was the guiding force in her life. She is now on her final and greatest journey.

Visitation is Monday, March 9th from 4 to 8 pm, ending with rosary service at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home at 12800 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77077

Funeral mass to be held at St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church, 5356 11th St., Katy, TX 77493, Tuesday, March 10th at 10 am.

In LaVerne's name, donations can be made to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org.