Laverne Madelyn Butler Thompson was born on November 28th, 1930, to Thomas and Jane Butler in Denison, Texas. She was affectionately known as “Vern” to family and friends. Laverne grew up with eleven siblings and lots of cousins in the block known as Butlerville. She attended Denison Public Schools and was a proud graduate of Terrell High School.
After moving to Wichita Falls from Denison, LaVerne met and married Ben Thompson. Together they raised two children, Linda, and Richard. After the sudden death of Ben, Laverne’s time was filled with raising two grandchildren in the home, Germaine, and Eric.
As a child, LaVerne confessed her love for Christ by joining the Mt. Olive Baptist Church where she was known for her talent of singing duets with her brother Robert Dave. In her adult life, she was a member of the St. John Baptist Church of Wichita Falls, Texas where she served as an Usher.
LaVerne’s greatest joy was her family. She was a great cook and looked forward to spending quality time on the weekends and holidays with every one of them. She also enjoyed traveling and would return faithfully to Denison for class reunions that reunited her with family and friends. She loved watching the western channel, soap operas and was an avid die-hard Dallas Cowboy fan. A beloved and loyal member, (Daughter Ruler) of the Elks Lodge of Wichita Falls, there were always requests to prepare her delicious meals.
On the morning of June 4th, LaVerne finished her earthly duties and moved to eternal life. She was preceded in death by her husband Ben Thompson; daughter Linda Butler Taylor; parents, Thomas, and Jane Butler; brothers Thomas, Eugene, Robert Dave and Jack, her sisters; Mary, Rosa, Ruth, twin sisters, Betty Joyce, and Billie Joy.
Left with beautiful memories are her son Richard Butler; grandchildren, Germaine Jackson, Eric Butler, Shanel Davis, and Richard Butler Jr; 11 Great Grandchildren; 2 Great-Great Grandchildren; two sisters Pauline Drake and Muriel Sterling; brother Roger Butler; and a host of relatives and friends.
A visitation for Laverne will be held Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Funeral Home, 1917 Archer City Highway, Wichita Falls, Texas 76302, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM.
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