Miss LaVerna Mae Pendleton, age 93, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma passed peacefully in her sleep from this Life on Monday June 11, 2018. LaVerna was born December 24, 1924 in Oklahoma City to parents Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Alvin and Melba (Dial) Pendleton. Following her 1942 graduation in Oklahoma City from Classen High school, LaVerna spent her Freshmen year at Ward-Belmont College, followed by Oklahoma City University 1943-1944. In 1948 LaVerna completed her B.A., in Anthropology and History, at the University of New Mexico. She did extensive Field Work on Archeological Digs for a number of years, and she continued five more years in this Profession at the Smithsonian Institute, in Washington, DC. LaVerna attended Graduate School at the Department of Agriculture in 1949, the University of Nebraska in 1952, as well as the University of Oklahoma in 1954. LaVerna achieved two Master’s degrees in her life, initially in Education from Central State College in 1963, followed by a Master’s Degree in Accounting, also from Central State. LaVerna taught Elementary School in the Putnam City School District of Oklahoma City until her initial Retirement. Laverna was a lifelong Learner who stated repeatedly she wanted to live until she was at least 110 years of age, out of curiosity over what would be happening in this world. She was an avid Reader; two beloved authors were Zane Grey and Tom Clancey. LaVerna enjoyed various Fiber Arts, but particularly enjoyed Knitting complex Lace. She had an exceptional appetite for Travel. LaVerna and her mother Melba traveled many summers to remote locations throughout the United States searching for Genealogical Treasures. Their combined life work in Genealogical Research has been Donated to the Oklahoma Historical Society to assist fellow Researchers. LaVerna visited many points on the Globe including Alaska, the American Virgin Islands, Aruba, Barbados, Caracas, Hawaii, Greece, Grenada, La Guairá, Panama Canal, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Thailand, Torugueo, Turkey, and Venezuela. LaVerna also enjoyed Square Dancing, and was a former Member of two Organizations: Single Squares and Branding Iron. She was interested in assisting Seniors with Tax Preparation, Volunteering both at the Oklahoma Public Library System, and at the local Senior’s Living Centers. LaVerna was a committed Member of the Oklahoma Orchid Society and other Gardening Organizations. Due to her lifelong devotion to the Welfare of Animals, LaVerna made serious commitments both to the Central Oklahoma Humane Society and to the Free to Live Organization. She was affiliated with the Methodist Church all of her life. She also enjoyed Membership in numerous Professional Organizations including the American Business Women’s Association Heartland Chapter, The Oklahoma Educational Association, National Teachers Association, numerous Genealogy Organizations, University of New Mexico Alumni Association, and more. Her Published Papers were in the field of Education. LaVerna’s keen mind and independence remained intact.
Visitation will be held for her on Sunday, June 17th at Baggerley Funeral Home from 2 to 4pm. Services will be held at Hope Church Four Square of Oklahoma City, Monday, June 18th at 10am, followed by Graveside Service at Rose Hill Burial Park in Oklahoma City. She will be interred next to her Mother, Melba and Grandfather Dial, very near all of her Dial Aunts’ Families as well.
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