Lavern Johnson

In her early years, she attended St. John’s Catholic School, Howard Elementary School, graduated from Lincoln High School Class of 1966, and also attended West Ark Community College in Fort Smith.

On May 29, 1969, Lavern married Curtis Belcher, Sr. and to this union three children were born. After several years of traveling with her husband in the military, she returned to Fort Smith to be closer to family.

Prior to becoming a member of the New Covenant International Christian Center, where she served as a greeter, Lavern was a member of Ninth Street Missionary Baptist Church. There she served on the Usher Board and the Cooperative Tea Committee. She later moved her membership to First Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as the greeter Chairperson and was an active member of the Women’s Mission.

She was employed and retired from Kraft Foods; however, Lavern could not sit around after retirement with idle times on her hands. She accepted a position with EL Direct In-Home Care. Because of her loving and selfless spirit, she received several awards and achievements which included a Diamond Level caregiver and an Aide of the Year Award for the exceptional care she provided her clients.

Her proudest moments were having her three children. She strived to instill in them strong Christian values and high morals. Her hobbies were shopping, decorating, cooking and spending time with family and friends. Lavern was always known for her sharp dressing, classy style, and contagious smile for all who encountered her.

Lavern will be dearly missed. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving children: one son, Curtis Belcher, Jr.; two daughters, Chere (Robert) Davis of Roland, Oklahoma and Rosalind (Darrell) Reynolds of Fort Smith; one sister, Elgenia Johnson; and one brother, Alfred Johnson, both of Fort Smith; eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren, as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Lavern will be 1:00pm Saturday, December 30, 2017 at New Covenant international Christian Center, with burial following at Oak Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 5:30 to 7:00pm Friday December 29, 2017 at Edwards Funeral Home. Services are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

We want to express a special appreciation to Tracy Gilyard, Enoyce Jackson and adopted daughter, Karen West.

To sign an online guestbook, visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com