LaVerne G. Barnes

LaVerne Gloria Franklin Barnes was born January 31, 1935 in Cleveland, Ohio to Andrew H. Franklin and Ophelia E. Freeman Franklin who have both preceded her in death. LaVerne, who was affectionately known to family and close friends as "Bunch" went home to be with the Lord on November 15, 2016 after a long illness of kidney and diabetic problems.

LaVerne was baptized in Oberlin and Cleveland, Ohio; the second time was a Liberty Hill Baptist Church by Reverend Milton Wilson Sr. At the time of her death, LaVerne was a member of the Zion Chapel Missionary Baptist Church since at least 1980. She participated in various activities of the church until work and illness slowed her down. Her marriage to Roosevelt Barnes Sr. (deceased) produced Roosevelt Barnes Jr. and Frederick A. Barnes (deceased).

LaVerne attended Cleveland Public Schools, graduating from John Adams High School in 1953 prior to attending Jane Addams Nursing Program. She also graduated from Cuyahoga Community College with multiple associate degrees and Flora Stone Mather College with a certification as a teacher assistant. LaVerne did volunteer work with the Jonas Salk Polio program, Red Cross, Visiting Nurse Association, R.B. Hayes Elementary School and sometimes at the Karamu House.

Due to work obligations, LaVerne had to become inactive with the Tau Gamma Delta Sorority of which she pledged in 1982. While active with the sorority, she filled several seats and positions. As a member of the Order of Eastern Stars, LaVerne obtained all degrees ending in the year 2000 with the Collage of the Roses of Seven Seals. LaVerne also enjoyed playing bingo and cards, roller skating and dancing.
Left to mourn LaVerne's passing are her son Roosevelt Barnes Jr. and his wife Doretta; brothers William Perry Reeves and Benjamin Franklin; sisters Janie Franklin and Norma Hudson; nieces Yasmin, Sunny, Deidra, Brittany and nephew Randy. There are a host of relatives in Cleveland, Ohio; Holly Springs, Mississippi; Chicago, Illinois; Alaska, Louisiana, Minnesota, Georgia and Alabama.

A special thanks goes to all the Eastern Star Sisters, the sorority sisters of Tau Gamma Delta - Iota chapter, plus all the nursing acquaintances she made and the times that were shared and above all made her life full and educational while on earth.

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