Our wonderful Mother, Grandma, Great Grandma, Aunt and Friend “LaVerne” went to be with the Lord and her family on December 28, 2020. She was born in Esteline, Texas on March 9, 1928 to Eschol Owen and Onie Lee Shepherd.
LaVerne lived a very simple life on their family farm in Texas. In 1944 she took the first big adventure of her life which was moving to California. LaVerne shared this story many times with us. With Parents, Brother Ray , Cousin Wanda in tow, their journey to California began. Since her parents didn’t drive and Ray wasn’t of age that left all the driving to her and Wanda. She shared that Ray kept asking to drive. When she found a spot where the road was straight and went on forever, she let Ray drive. She shared he only drove a few miles as his foot got hot from the exhaust pipe, and never ask to drive again.
Upon arriving in California she briefly lived in Porterville where she met Robert Joe Johnson “Bob”. Her family moved to Visalia, where she attended Visalia High School and worked at Visalia Laundry.
LaVerne worked at retails stores, Delano School District as a cook, Managed Snow White Drive, and Weber’s Bread in Santa Barbara. Laverne never shied away from work or of giving of herself. Everyone you talk with, commented on what a Wonderful Lady and Friend she was, and that she will be missed immensely.
LaVerne had a little adventurous side to her. She enjoyed traveling and took numerous trips with family and friends. Her first big outing after retiring was to a trip to the east coast. She drove alone to Texas where she picked up her sister, and the two of them headed out. They spent six weeks touring the sites from Washington DC to Florida traveling over 6,000 miles, and she was behind the wheel the entire time since sister didn’t drive.
If there is a “Claim to Fame” it would be for her Peanut Brittle! Everyone loved it, and once you had it, you couldn’t get enough or stop eating it. On a fun and happy note, she was proud and thrilled when her Peanut Brittle sold for over $200 at the Sierra Baptist Church fund raiser.
LaVerne and Bob married October 11, 1946, and were married until 1984, when he preceeded her in death. Her family was always at the forefront of her life. She enjoyed boating and camping as a family. That dedication and focus was extended to brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, and to all generations. She was the Matriarch of our family; a kind, loving, supportive person who would do anything for anyone. She always had a smile and hug for you.
She is survived by and will be greatly missed by son and daughter in law, Robert and Connie Johnson, and son and daughter in law, Danny and Sandy Johnson. Grandchildren included Melissa Johnson, Jill Johnson, Jennifer and Sean Campbell, Rob and Veronica Johnson. LaVerne was blessed with 13 great grandchildren Jeremy Beavers, Jonathon Beavers, Aubrey Rivera, Jenna Beavers, Jazlene Cano, Chase Cano, Jacob Johnson, Carter Campbell, Easton Campbell, Gracelynn Campbell, Ryder Johnson, Jameson Johnson and Quinn Meckler.
Graveside services will he held on January 15, 2021 at 12 Noon at the Visalia Public Cemetery District, 1300 W. Goshen Avenue in Visalia, CA.
Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA (559) 732-8371
