Laverne Bennett

Laverne A. Bennett, 84 passed away peacefully on April 20, 2023, at Satilla Bluffs in Blackshear,
GA.
Laverne led a very full and rewarding life. She was born June 13,1938 in Orlando, Fla. to the
parents of Austin and Essie Avera. Along with her father and step-mother Ada, she grew up in
Orlando, and Quitman, Ga.
Laverne became a wife at a very young age to her sweetheart Gerald Thompson and they had
4 children together. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.
She retired after 34 years in the school lunchroom program and won many outstanding
awards during her career. But her true passion and gift was interior decorating, using her
talents in making her home beautiful and a haven for others to enjoy. Family and friends will
always remember her sweet hospitality and meals that she would prepare for them.
Laverne was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and attended the Kingdom Hall in Waycross, GA.
Laverne was preceded in death by Gerald Thompson, and husbands Olan Barrow, and Emmett
Bennett. Her parents, Austin and Ada Avera, her mother, Essie, also mother and father-in law
Ruby and Edd Thompson.
Also siblings, Betty Johnston, Vickie Cox, and Tommy and Lamar Avera. Also her son, Randy
Thompson.
She is survived by her brother, John Avera, her children, Debbie (Raymond) Canterbury, Jerry
(Pam) Thompson, Whitney Anderson, and daughter in law, Michele Thompson.
Grandchildren: Jonathan and Seth Canterbury, Rachael Sealy, Nathan, Lee, and Russ Thompson,
and Crystal Taylor. Also, she was blessed with 11 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and
nephews. Also, sister in laws, Eleanor Bullock and Patsy Thompson.
And Sassy, her loyal and constant companion fur baby.
A memorial service is being planned for a later date.

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