Laverna Secrest

With a beautiful smile that could light up a room, LaVerna Secrest was a delightful woman whose tender heart blanketed everything she did. She was a true gem who sparkled with the love of God in her heart. Her Bible wasnt just a book that sat on a shelf, rather to LaVerna, it was a living, breathing source of peace and strength throughout her entire lifetime. LaVerna viewed being a wife and mother to be her highest calling, tenderly caring for her children so that they in turn, could care for her during her time of need. Although the 1930s were a time in our nations history that was cloaked in hardship by the Great Depression, people still found joy and fulfillment in a variety of ways. Movies and board games like Monopoly were popular while others escaped into the suspenseful mysteries penned by Agatha Christie. Also during this time in Shelby, Michigan, Irwing and Frances (Sweeter) Cloud were celebrating a joyous time within their own family with the birth of their daughter, LaVerna Nadine, on February 20, 1933. LaVerna was one of seven children in her family and fell as the second to the youngest in the birth order. Her father supported his family as a carpenter while her mother stayed home to tend to the needs of her family. When LaVerna was in elementary school her family relocated to Muskegon Heights where she attended local schools. LaVerna liked school and fit right in to her new environment, making many new friends. During high school she attended Muskegon Heights High School, but school would soon become a thing of the past for LaVerna as exciting changes were right around the corner. As fate would have it, LaVernas sister was dating a young fellow with a brother who was home on leave from the Navy. LaVerna met this dashing serviceman named Richard Secrest, and they went out on a double date. It is safe to say that LaVerna was a bit swept off her feet and after a time of dating, their relationship blossomed into true love. LaVerna became Mrs. Richard Secrest on December 23, 1949, and the couple settled right in to married life. They were blessed with their daughter Jean the very next year, but their family only continued to grow from there. They were blessed with five sons and three daughters in all, and LaVerna delighted in being a mother. She was nurturing and caring, loving each of her children unconditionally. Throughout the years, their family lived in various places throughout Muskegon, and Richard supported his family painting houses while LaVerna was a homemaker. With so many mouths to feed, LaVerna became a spectacular cook and was famous for her spaghetti, chili, and homemade bread. As a family they often enjoyed going to the drive-in theatre together. When she was able to carve out some free time, LaVerna enjoyed a great many things. She and Richard liked to socialize and play cards with their friends. They also traveled to visit relatives nearby as often as they could. Although she never learned to drive herself, LaVerna loved taking rides down by Lake Michigan, the magnificent shoreline so easy for her to appreciate. When her children left home and got married, she was so happy to become a grandmother and she babysat for her grandchildren every time the opportunity arose. LaVerna was also quite a talker and she loved to call her children and talk on the phone, remaining aware of the goings-on in their lives. She was a talented artist who enjoyed creating masterpieces and also liked doing needlepoint. Although LaVerna never formerly attended a church, she possessed a very strong, very real faith. She regularly read her Bible, and was a true prayer warrior. LaVerna was always praying for those in need, and she especially enjoyed the visits from her childrens pastors. She also loved listening to gospel music. Throughout the years, both LaVerna and Richard struggled with various health issues. At times it was a struggle for her to care for both herself and Richard, but they were also blessed that their son Larry continued to live with them. In 1999, Richard died after a long battle with cancer leaving LaVerna alone for the first time in nearly 50 years. Sadly the difficult times didnt end there for LaVerna. Over the next five years, she also lost three of her sons: Richard, Robert, and LaVern. Understandably so, these were very challenging times for LaVerna, but she continued to draw strength from both her faith and her family during these most dark days. She continued to receive help and support from her children as well. Both Larry and Debbie devoted much of their time to caring for their mother. LaVerna was always delighted when Debbie came with her husband Dan who serenaded her on his guitar with songs such as You Are My Sunshine, or Hey Good Lookin. These fun times they shared together always brought a beautiful smile to LaVernas face. Over the past few years, LaVernas health challenges combined with the passage of time, began to take a toll on her body. She eventually needed a wheelchair to get around until her body finally succumbed to the fight. There are those that in living seem to squander away their days, never really knowing their purpose. LaVerna Secrest was a woman who knew that her purpose here on this earth was to love and care for others whether it was her husband, her children, her grandchildren, or those that she lifted up in prayer. LaVerna lived each day embracing every moment, even those that were laden with grief, clinging to both the hope that was in her heart and the loving arms that surrounded her. It was easy to see that LaVerna found her greatest joy while loving the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were a tangible blessing of the family she built with the love of her life. As her family says goodbye to their beloved sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, they hold tightly to the precious memories that will forever live in their hearts. LaVerna Nadine Secrest died Friday, October 2, 2009. LaVernas family includes her sons, Wayne (Jacolyn) Secrest, Lawrence Secrest, both of Muskegon; daughters, Jean Baker, Debbie (Dan) Thompson, Kathy Hulbert, all of Muskegon; 23 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren, and sister. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard; 3 sons, Richard, Robert, LaVern Secrest. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home Muskegon location Muskegon, MI, with Rev. Stephen Brower officiating. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Visit with LaVernas family and friends on Tuesday, 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the family.