LaVerne Stephenson, 98, of Valdosta, Georgia, was joyfully reunited with her beloved husband, Horace W. Stephenson, Sr., on May 22, 2025. Born on January 16, 1927, in Detroit, Michigan, to Joseph and Margaret Lemans, Laverne was raised in Dearborn and lived a life defined by grace, service, and deep faith.

Laverne studied at Palmer Chiropractic School in Davenport, Iowa, becoming a Chiropractor before moving south to Valdosta, Georgia, where she began her professional journey as a chiropractor, working alongside Dr. C.O. Templeton for about a year.  It was during this time that she met the man who would become the love of her life. She and Horace Stephenson were married in June of 1949, and together, they began a life centered around family, faith, and community.

Laverne chose to make her family her priority. She stepped away from her chiropractic career to devote herself fully to raising her children, supporting her husband in their business, and giving back to the Valdosta community. She and Horace co-owned and operated Horace Stephenson Jewelers, a cherished local business that served their neighbors for many years.

Laverne was a tireless and joyful servant in her community. She was a faithful member of First Methodist Church of Valdosta, where she served as the secretary of the Christian Homebuilders adult Sunday school class and taught 7th-grade Sunday School for many years. Known affectionately as the prayer warrior of her family, Laverne faithfully lifted up the needs of others and was deeply rooted in her Christian faith.

She was active in numerous civic organizations, including the Woman's Dosis Club, the Camellia Garden Club, and the Quota Club, where she served as president. She also volunteered with Meals on Wheels, worked with the deaf and blind, led youth in Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts, taught ceramics to schoolchildren at Valwood for a year, and continually sought out ways to uplift others.

Laverne's creative spirit found expression in hobbies she loved—sewing and painting—and she often gifted others with handmade treasures and heartfelt artwork. Her kindness and creativity brought joy to all who knew her.

In her later years, she found a second family among the residents and staff of Fellowship Brookside Senior Center, where her compassion and ever-present prayers blessed everyone who walked by. Her legacy of love, service, and unwavering faith continues to inspire.

Laverne is survived by her son, Horace "Chip" Stephenson, Jr. (Kim) of Valdosta; her daughter, Mary Ann Godwin (Jeff) of Lake Park; her cherished grandchildren, Noah Rowan, Jeffery Godwin (Jessica), and Lukus "Skipper" Rowan (Amanda); and her great-grandchildren, Kaley Boatright, Abigail Rowan, Noah Rowan, Jr., Haley Godwin, Hannah Rowland, Jolie Bullard, Ella Godwin, Jake Rowan, Heidi Rowan, and Carlee Rowan. She also leaves behind a host of loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Horace W. Stephenson, Sr.; her son, Maxwell "Max" Joseph Stephenson; her parents, Joseph and Margaret Lemans; and her sister, Joan Gladys (Chester).

A graveside service to honor Laverne's beautiful and faith-filled life will be held at Sunset Cemetery in Valdosta, Georgia, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

Laverne's life was a testament to love in action—through faith, family, creativity, and service. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.