LaVerne Fields Napier

LaVerne Charlotte (Fields) Napier, 94, passed away on Friday, March 28, 2025, in Waynesboro, Virginia. She was born to Lester Fields and Frankie Davis Fields on May 3, 1930. LaVerne was born and raised in Beech Grove, Nelson County, Virginia, in the heart of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. LaVerne was married to her beloved husband, Lloyd Randolph Napier, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by three sisters, Marion Brown, Gwen Black, Sylvia Witt, and a niece and nephew, Frankie Kirtland and Donald Brown. She is survived by two siblings, James Fields and Carolyn Mattox; brother-in-law, Carlton Mattox; and adopted daughter, Barbara K. Prewitt. Seven of her nieces and nephews still living are: Dale Brown, Deborah Garcia, Denise McClanahan, Vivian Brown, Keith Mattox, Diane Crickenberger, and Scott Mattox. There are also numerous great nieces and great nephews who, along with all the others, will miss LaVerne so much. As well as her family, LaVerne also cherished her personal assistant, Julie Monroe, and her neighbor, Marie Schmitt and her daughter, Nancy, who helped her so much in her declining years. Active pallbearers will be, Dale Brown, Keith Mattox, Scott Mattox, Jacob Anderson, Nathan Anderson, and Roy McClanahan, who are her nephews and great nephews, and feel so honored to help lay her to rest.

LaVerne got her first job during World War II at DuPont in Waynesboro, and worked there until retirement. She was a beauty in her youth and was once selected as Miss DuPont. LaVerne grew gardens, canned vegetables and fruit, and made tasty pickles. She was known as a superb cook and made delectable pies and cobblers. LaVerne and her husband Lloyd had a hunting cabin in Highland County, and she often accompanied him there, making sure to bring lots of her excellent food to feed the hunters. LaVerne also loved to camp in their camper, and go to antique auctions.

LaVerne was hard working and generous. She helped not only her own parents while living at home, and her father in his later years, but numerous nieces and nephews, and grand nieces and nephews, always wanting to help where it was most needed. She had an infectious laugh and told hilarious stories about her youth with her brothers and sisters. She was shrewd and had a sharp mind up until the very end. She was intelligent, personable, and always hospitable. We will all miss her so much.

Faith was important to LaVerne. When her family came to visit, there was always a Bible close at hand that she had been reading. We her family hope and believe that she is now at home and at peace with God and His Son Jesus.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." -Romans 8:38-39

A private graveside service will be held.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes of Waynesboro.

Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com