Kathryn LaVerne Harrell

Kathryn LaVerne Harrell passed into the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, September 18, 2026 in Groves, Texas. Laverne was born April 24, 1943 in Orange, Texas to Ray and Katy Peveto, joining her two sisters, Alyene and Myrna. World war II was raging in Europe and by the time Laverne was two, the family had moved to Carrizo Springs in west Texas to make a home and future plans with acreage and work toward their future. On one horrific day in 1945, Laverne's father, Ray, was killed in a tractor accident leaving a lasting impression on them all. Her mother, Katy, moved the family to Beaumont, Texas and began a life there, doing her best to raise Alyene, Myrna, and LaVerne who they affectionately called “Baby”, to be educated and successful young women. LaVerne met and eventually married Billy Harrell. They had four children: Ky, Lea, Ann, and Billy Jr. Billy Sr. was a machinist and owned his own business and provided well for his family. She was a stay at home mom and regularly attended church with all of her children. All four of her children came to know the Lord at a young age and were at church “every time the door was open”. She was instrumental in the spiritual lives of her children and her life was a living testimony of a personal daily relationship with the Living God of the Universe. Her love for God was so evident and engaging that it drew others toward God. Laverne had been involved in music since childhood. She loved singing in her school choir and also in her church choir. All of her children were involved in music, singing at church and playing in the band at school. She was a very involved parent. She and another mom were known as the “KoolAid Twins” because they provided refreshing drinks to thirsty high school band members during marching practice. She was everybody's Mom. She loved and treated every child as if they were her own. LaVerne handled adversity as a true child of God, relying on Him in the middle of difficult times. On February 6, 1983, her husband Billy Sr. went home to be with his Lord Jesus Christ, leaving her to move forward in the next steps in God's plan for her. She worked hard and went to Lamar University to pursue a degree in education. She had always taught Sunday School at church and had been involved in volunteering at school so it was a natural progression. She graduated from Lamar University December 22,1990 with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. She taught school for one year in Texas then heard the call of God and went to teach at a Christian school in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. She and her roommate, Millie, loved to teach and also travel all around South America. LaVerne loved her students and their families. She spoke little Spanish but that was okay. The school operated in English but she learned more words and phrases along the way. She would come back to visit the States periodically and when retired, came home from the mission field. She continued living with her missionary roommate, now good friend, Millie, in the DFW Texas area. She again was involved in church and ministry, singing in nursing homes. She loved her grandchildren and whenever possible, enjoyed attending events in which they were involved. As time passed, she was diagnosed with dementia but she maintained her steadfast strength in the Lord, her love for Him and for those around her. When she lived in hospice care, her nickname became “Giggles” because she still loved to laugh and have fun. She was a delight to be around and to know. Her legacy of love, laughter, and a daily relationship with God will live on. Laverne was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Sr., her son, Billy Jr., her grandson, Matthew Spikes, her son in law, Don Mannino, her sisters, Alyene Barnett, and Myrna Smith. Laverne is survived by her daughters, Ky Mannino, Lea Bishop, and Ann Spikes and her husband Ron, her 3 grandchildren, Sharlyn Whitson and her husband Bryan, Katy Large and her husband John, and Jessica Spikes, and 4 great grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.