LaVerne B. Shotwell

Born December 9, 1931, in Richmond, VA to George and Pauline Turner Brown. She married Malcolm (Mac) Shotwell June 19, 1954.

After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond, VA, LaVerne was a telephone representative. LaVerne and Mac moved to Rochester, NY where she worked at Eastman Kodak, assisted Mac in youth ministry at Greece Baptist Church, and audited classes at Colgate Rochester Divinity School where she was honored with a certificate for Meritorious Service.

The couple moved to Cuba, NY, to serve First Baptist Church. They also served at First Baptist Churches in Galesburg, IL and Olean, NY. While in NY, LaVerne worked at the Olean Times Herald, and as an administrative assistant at the church. The Shotwells continued ministries in PA, DE, IL, and MO.

Until limited by strokes, LaVerne served in many church and community endeavors. She assisted Mac in historical research in the UK, led several tours to Europe and the Holy Lands, shared in a mission trip to Haiti, and led stress-management workshops. LaVerne sang on WRVA in Richmond, designed and managed lapidary shops, and enjoyed being a mother and homemaker. She was known for her cooking, hospitality, listening ear and quick wit. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Springfield and the IBT Sunday school class.

LaVerne was preceded in death by her parents and oldest daughter, Donna. She is survived by her husband; daughter, Paula Shotwell of Chatham; sister, Shearin (Donald) Whitehorne of Stuarts Draft, VA and nieces and nephews.

The family will meet friends at a visitation reception Saturday, June 13 at 10 AM at First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Rd. A service to celebrate LaVerne’s faith and life will follow at 11 AM, Dr. Roger Ross officiating.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church or the church/charity of the donor’s choice.