Laverne Bagwell

“Weymon LaVerne Bagwell, known simply as LaVerne, Vern, or Vernny to some and lovingly as “Grandma” to so many, leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, forgiveness, laughter, and an immeasurable love for her family.

“Grandma” was more than a title to her—it was a role she embodied in every possible way. Whether you were one of her own grandchildren or simply someone fortunate enough to cross her path, she had a way of making you feel welcomed, cared for, and loved. To many who knew her, she was simply Grandma, whether they were related by blood or not.

LaVerne never met a stranger, and anyone who knew her also knew that she never held back from saying exactly what was on her mind, even if it stung a little. She was genuine, outspoken, loving, and unmistakably herself. Chances are, anyone who spent time with LaVerne has a funny story to tell—and just as likely, a story about a moment when she touched their life, even if she never realized the impact she had made.

She was a woman of strong Christian faith, and that faith remained with her throughout her life and as she prepared to leave this world. She faced that transition with a sense of peace and security, trusting in what came next.

Kindness and forgiveness were virtues LaVerne carried deeply within her. They were not simply things she believed in, but qualities she lived and extended to the people around her. Her capacity to love, forgive, laugh, speak her mind, and care for others made an impression that will continue long after her passing.

LaVerne was preceded in death by the love of her life, Robert “Beany” Bagwell; her parents, Weymon and Mae Guthrie; and her siblings, Dorothy Brown, Shirley Day, Billy Guthrie, Danny Guthrie, Vickie Lee, and Teresa “Biggun” Knight.

She is survived by her sister, Brenda Asbury; and her children, Denise Lowrey, Weymon Bagwell and Heather Bagwell, Brandy Brewer, Shane Bagwell, Marvin Bagwell, and Stacy Worley.

She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, who meant the absolute world to her—and to whom she meant just as much: Stephenie Bagwell, Terry Monhollen, JR Bagwell, Zack Lowery, Chris Bagwell, Alyson Summit, Hannah Kvamme, Isabella Cooper, Carolina Cooper, Chris Allen, Brooke Phillips, Destinee Whitley, Zebb Rutledge, and Jayden Burnette, and thirteen great grandchildren.

LaVerne left this world surrounded by those she loved, knowing that she was deeply loved in return. While her absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, the life she lived cannot be measured only by the years she was here. It can be measured in the people she loved, the laughter she created, the forgiveness she gave, the faith she carried, and the countless lives she touched along the way.

Her family takes comfort in knowing that she left this life at peace, surrounded by love and secure in her faith. And although Grandma may no longer be here to tell you exactly what she thinks, make you laugh, forgive you, encourage you, or make you feel like one of her own, the lessons she taught and the love she gave will remain.

Her legacy lives on in her children, her grandchildren, her family, and in every person who was fortunate enough to know and love LaVerne—our Grandma.”