LaVerne Whitley

December 6, 1948 - December 2, 2020

LaVerne “Chicken” Whitley was born December 6, 1948, to Willia Mae and Arthur L. Whitley, her parents preceded her in death. LaVerne was a well-loved child who got the name “Chicken” because she was called all meat chicken. She had an early start for the love of God at Southern Union Missionary Baptist Church, then later moved to Progressive Missionary Baptist under the leadership of Reverend J.D. Linton. LaVerne went to Divoll Elementary where she became lifelong friends with Jammie Matthews, Peggy Taylor, Louise Weaver, and Gloria Collins, the last three known as the ‘Golden Girls.’ LaVerne went on to Vashon High School until graduation in 1966. From my research, I can say she was well-liked and “cool” with her classmates. (Picture) After graduation, LaVerne went away to Lincoln University, where her winning personality and smile shined. She gained the love of her college classmates, and they continue to show it. (pic) In 1971, LaVerne graduated and went on to pursue her teaching career. Ms. Whitley served as a Physical Education and as a Family and Consumer Science teacher. Gym and Home Ec for the other older students. Ms. Whitley was a hard teacher but the students loved her and she loved them. She leaves to cherish her memory: one daughter LaFreda Lenette Whitley, two granddaughters Jonét LaVerne Moore and Jaiden LaNaé Whitley, one great-grandson Jaxson Jeremiah Clemon; three sisters Willie Pearl Terrell, Martha Alma Shumpert, and Deborah Whitley; one aunt Eula Mae Williams; three nieces Lenise Vaughn, Sandra Vaughn, and Linda (Warren) Hollaman; four nephews James (Karen) Vaughn, Eric (Sonya) Shumpert, Michael Farr and Reginald Farr, and there are several people that are/were extra special to her that are not blood family but ARE Family, you know you were special.