LaVerne Jackson Ritter

LaVerne Jackson Ritter, age 97, entered her Heavenly home on Friday, July 17, 2026, at her home in Apollo Beach, Florida, surrounded by her family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, LaVerne's family was the center of her life. She was a born again Christian whose life reflected her faith and was a member of Wallace Memorial Baptist Church. LaVergne led many to eternal salvation, through the word of God, by teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She had a beautiful voice singing gospel hymns in duets and trios for Revival and Worship services at Northwest Baptist Church and Belmont Baptist Churches.

Born on May 16, 1929, in Knoxville, Tennessee, LaVerne was the daughter of Willis D. and Ethel Mae Petty Jackson. She grew up as the 6th child among 7 brothers and sisters. LaVerne married the love of her life, Howard S. Ritter Jr. ("Tex"), in 1948, and together they created a life filled with love and lasting memories. They made their home in Knoxville, where they raised their family.

Since 2007, LaVerne has made her home with her daughter and son-in-law in Charlotte, NC and Apollo Beach, FL. She found joy in caring for those she loved. LaVerne enjoyed cooking, canning fruits, traveling to the mountains and the beach, taking car rides with her son, shopping, dining out, and reading. She also loved family trips to Dollywood, picnics with her sweetheart and grandchildren, and spending time with those she loved. LaVerne was known as "Mamaw Chinese" by her grandchildren (because she loved to take them to Mandarin House to eat), "Penny" by her great-grandson Donavan, and "Sweetie" by her great-granddaughter Ava. Her faith, kindness, and love for her family, and all she met, will be remembered always by those who knew and loved her.

LaVerne was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Howard S. Ritter Jr. (“Tex"); her parents, Willis D. Jackson and Ethel Mae Petty Jackson; and her siblings, Verona Long, Alvis Jackson, Oeda Watson, Nylie Jackson, Odery Jackson, and Nath Jackson.

She is survived by her son, Greg Ritter, Knoxville, TN; her daughter and son-in-law, Renette and Jim Wheeler, Apollo Beach, FL; her grandchildren, Lindsay (Ike) Grove, Ruskin, FL, Stephanie Lay, Knoxville, Kevin (Mandy) Ritter, Knoxville and her great-grandchildren, Garren Phillips, Ruskin, FL, Donavan Wheeler, Tampa, FL, Gage and Ava Grove, Ruskin, FL, and Beaux Ritter. Knoxville, TN.

The family will receive friends on Monday, July 27 from 1 - 2:30 pm with Celebration of Life service at 2:30 at Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home officiated by Kent Williams and Eulogy by Renette Wheeler. Graveside service will immediately follow at Lynnhurst Cemetery.

Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.