La Verne Carter Stevenson

LaVerne Carter Stevenson, 96, of Odessa died Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at MCH.

A memorial is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at First Presbyterian Church. Arrangements are by Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home of Odessa. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to First Presbyterian Church, MCH Auxiliary or Symphony Guild.

LaVerne was born in Dodsonville, Texas February 21, 1923 to J.C. and Hazel Carter. After graduation from Phillips High School, she attended Pasadena Nazarene College in California, then graduated from Charity School of Nursing in New Orleans. On December 27, 1944, LaVerne married the love of her life, Bill Stevenson. They were married 67 years at the time of death. They moved to Odessa in 1946. After raising a family and retiring they fulfilled her lifelong dream of traveling throughout the United States and worldwide.

LaVerne was a registered Nurse working first at Headley Hospital, then private duty at Medical Center Hospital where she was recruited by Dr. O.A. Fulcher to be his staff nurse. She worked with Dr. Fulcher for 30 years until his retirement. She was involved in many church and volunteer organizations throughout her years in Odessa. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church serving with the Presbyterian Women of the church and in other leadership capacities. She was involved with Meals on Wheels, 20th Century Study Club, The Forum, The Symphony Guild and MCH Auxiliary. She was recognized for her 34 years of service as an auxillian with many awards and was honored last year with a full page tribute in the newspaper for her 95th birthday.

For many years, four neighborhood couples who were close friends formed a super club famously known as The Westside Wild Bunch. Each couple alternately hosted a monthly dinner party in their home. Invitations to these dinners were quite an honor.

As avid OHS Bronco fans, every Friday night home game was spent on the front row at the fifty yard line. Her love of jazz came about from her years in New Orleans. She and Bill attended many jazz festivals in Odessa.

LaVerne is preceded in death by her husband Bill M. Stevenson, parents J.C. and Hazel Carter, sister Malverene Carter and husband Lloyd. Survivors are daughters Michele Rinker, Debra Green and husband Ban, grandchildren Bill Stebritz, Stephanie O'mata and husband Frank, Steven Polk, Lisa Polk, Katie Harris and husband David, Draper Green and wife Katie. Great grandchildren Isaac, Zack, and Andrew O'mata, Bailey Harris. Great great grandchildren Khloe, Leilani, Luna, Noah, Jack and Elliot, sister Jo Stodghill and husband Dee, cousin Sam Holloman and close friend Roger Corzine.

Our mother lived a long, happy and healthy life. We were blessed. People who wonder if the glass is half empty or half full miss the point. The glass is refillable. Enjoy a glass of wine and a piece of chocolate in her memory.