Laverne Schendel was born August 26, 1931 in Westphalia, Texas to Opal and Jamie Cunningham. She had 4 siblings, Dorene Kelsey of Temple, Wanda Hernandez of Temple, the late Linda Swancy of Atlanta, and the late James Harold Cunningham of Moulton, Tx.
She married Darrell Childs and had 3 children while living in Houston, Texas. Luann and husband, Steve Stampley of Pearland, Dr. James and wife, Dr. Maria Childs of College Station and Susie and husband, Bill Shaw of League City.
She later married William R. Schendel of Pasadena who has son, Bill Jr. and wife Tere of Friendswood, and daughter, Pam, and husband Bob Gossett of Baytown.
Laverne was active in the Golden Acres Baptist church for many years. She was known to be loving and giving to all of her dear friends and family.
Laverne and Bill loved to entertain their large family of children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Sunday lunch was always a special gathering.
Laverne won the first place blue ribbon in a City of Pasadena contest for her Kahlua cake. She made this cake on many occasions and as a gift to the ill or infirm.
She will always be remembered for her thoughtful handwritten notes and cards. She had a deep love for making holidays and ordinary days special. Her laugh lit up a room. Laverne worked at NASA during the Apollo 13 crisis. She later was a small business owner, channeling her love for special occasions and pieces at her jewel box women’s consignment shop, Lavanje’s.
Laverne’s first day in heaven no doubt started with being in Jesus’ presence and reuniting with the love of her life, Daddy Bill, and her recently departed grandson, David Childs. Finally able to speak again, she no doubt is offering songs of praise to the Savior she has loved her entire life.
As an alternative to flowers, the family suggests donations to lionsheartproject.org
