LaVerne Smith

LaVerne Williams Smith was born November 19, 1937 in Ada, Louisiana. She was one of three girls born to JC and Carrie Williams. Jerlene (Carter) and Jimmie (Hardiman) preceded her in death. LaVerne accepted Christ at an early age at Greater Open Door Baptist Church, Chicago, IL, under Reverend BT Little where she served as a Sunday School Superintendent for many years. LaVerne attended Harrison High School in Chicago, IL, where she played on the volleyball traveling AAU team along with her dear friend Mary Love. In 1958, LaVerne met and married Louis R. Smith, Sr., and to that union two sons were born, Louis Jr. and Lincoln. Louis Sr. preceded her in death. LaVerne graduated from Nursing School in June 1962 and later worked at Cook County Hospital. She left to pursue private duty nursing. LaVerne left nursing to work as an Administrative Secretary at Precision Electronics (now GCA Corp), in Stone Park, IL and was there for 15 years. Later, she returned to nursing at the Bellwood School District 88 Proviso Township. IL. LaVerne was very involved in her sons’ actives. This led to her volunteering at Garfield Elementary School as a lunch mother; and when they were older, supporting their athletics as a Proviso East High School Booster Club member. After retirement, she stayed active by volunteering at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital in Melrose Park, IL in the nursery department with the newborns. She departed this life on December 2, 2019. LaVerne leaves to cherish her memory: two sons, Louis Jr. and Lincoln Smith. Four grandchildren: Louis III, Carrie Ashley (Scott), Lincoln II and Lauren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; special sister-cousin, Losie Rivers, and four-legged friend, Curley.