Laverne Price

Laverne Price, born June 29, 1928 in Rudy, Arkansas, gained her wings at 96 years old on April 29, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. A woman of uncommon warmth, generosity, and strength, Laverne left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Though she just missed her goal of reaching 100 years, the legacy she leaves behind is more than a century's worth of love, service, and joy. Her impact on the lives of those who knew her is timeless.

Heaven must be ringing with laughter and joy as she reunites with her beloved husband, Gerald; they are no doubt already organizing something wonderful together and beaming with pride at their family in the earthly realm. Let us rejoice that they are side by side once again!

Laverne lived her life as a tireless servant of others, full of laughter and love. Her family fondly called her the “Energizer Bunny,” a fitting name for someone who never sat still if there was someone to help, a need to meet, or a reason to smile. She was a devoted Christian and embodied the teachings of Jesus- loving her neighbors, forgiving freely, and giving selflessly. Her love for her family was fierce and unwavering, and she was cherished deeply in return.

She began her professional life while still in high school, working as a telephone operator. With determination, she rose to a position in the billing office, eventually managing a one-person payment office in downtown Van Buren. She worked there until the birth of her son Scott, then devoted herself to raising her children and supporting Gerald through college. They joked that they lived in a "two-bedroom apartment"- one in Van Buren where she stayed, and one in Fayetteville where he studied.

Later, Laverne and Gerald founded an insurance and real estate business, where she would eventually earn her Real Estate Broker’s license. She faithfully completed her continuing education every year and stayed actively licensed until 92 years old, which is truly a testament to her commitment and perseverance.

Laverne was always serving others, whether working shifts in the goldfish booth at the state fair, helping run golf tournaments for the Optimist Club, or building a life-sized outdoor chessboard for the Boys and Girls Club. She was a proud and active mother, serving as a Cub Scouts Den Mother, Brownie leader, PTA President, and homeroom mom. Even more, she was an incredible grandmother: present, playful, and endlessly supportive. Her grandchildren always knew they were deeply loved, and she never missed a chance to celebrate their lives and accomplishments.

She was a lifelong member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority in Fort Smith, having joined in 1950. She belonged to the Laureate Alpha ETA chapter and was awarded the prestigious Order of the Rose in 1987.

True to her trailblazing spirit, Laverne helped found the “Opti-Mrs” club when women weren’t yet allowed in the Optimist Club. She later officially joined the Fort Smith Optimist Club herself in 2007, continuing the legacy Gerald began as a charter member in 1951.

After many years in Van Buren and Fort Smith, Laverne returned to her beloved hometown of Rudy about 25 years ago, where she continued her vibrant life in the beautiful countryside, always connecting with neighbors, friends, and family.

Laverne was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gerald Price, and her son-in-law, Paul Sligar. She is survived by her devoted children: Laura Price Sloat, and her children Hannah and Jordan Sligar, Jennifer Moffett and husband Jack Moffett, and their son Sam Moffett, Scott Randall Price and wife Martha Price, and their children: Christopher Price, and his son Jacob Price, Joshua Price and wife Kala Price, and their sons Braxton and Tanner, Matthew Price and wife Malia Price, and their daughter Gracelyn and son Rhett, Amanda Flanagan and husband Gabriel Flanagan, and their sons Locklan and Logan.

Laverne’s legacy is one of unwavering love, joyful service, and unshakable faith. She taught her family how to live fully, give freely, and love deeply. She will be missed more than words can express, but her spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched.

Pallbearers:

Christopher Price, Joshua Price, Matthew Price, Gabriel Flanagan, Jordan Sligar, Alex Avillion

Honorary Pallbearers:

Sam Moffett, Danny Jackson, Harold Daily, Bob Ehrlich

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 3 at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 N 12th St, Fort Smith, AR 72901 at 2:00pm. Visitation will take place an hour prior beginning at 1:00pm. Laverne will be laid to rest at Fort Smith National Cemetery, 522 Garland Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901 on Monday, May 5, at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fort Smith Boys and Girls Club.