MOTHER LAVERNE CARTER REAGINS COLBERT

A girl became a woman…

LaVerne, affectionately called “Boots”, Carter was born on May 8, 1946, to Ernestine (Jacobs) and Hosea Carter who both preceded her in death in Columbia, Mississippi. She was the fourth of seven children which included Florine, Donna, Jimmy, Robert, Margie and Willie of which Florine, Donna and Robert preceded her in death.  LaVerne graduated from Marion Central H.S. in 1964.  She moved to Gary, Indiana in 1965 and started her notable tenure in healthcare at St Margret’s Hospital in Hammond, Indiana.

A wife…

From a previous marriage, she was blessed with three very precocious daughters, Yvonne “Dede”, Lisa “Kninka” and Shannon “The Baby Girl”.  LaVerne met and married her husband of 33 years before his passing, John L. Colbert on November 1, 1980. Her family was enlarged by being blessed with four more children, Lawrence “Larry”, Janice “Jan” (Arthur), Demetrius “Butch” and Yuvette “Vette”.  Janice and Arthur preceded her in death. They established a loving, fun filled home on the west side of Gary, Indiana where she was well regarded by her neighbors and friends and as a mother figure to all those she encountered. LaVerne joined Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church in 1980.  She was a member of the Gospel Chorus, Kitchen Ministry, Mothers’ board and Director of the children’s choir. She will always be known for her ability to raise money for the many projects the church endeavored to accomplish. She pioneered ingenious methods of raising money and will be remembered for her notorious “Salad Fest”.  She was a faithful and active member until illness moved her to Indianapolis, Indiana to convalesce with the assistance of her family.

A Career Woman…

LaVerne worked in the healthcare field for more than 40 years.  She started her career as a technician in Hammond at St Margaret’s Hospital. She later became a part of the St Mary Medical Center family in Gary, Indiana, where is moved through the ranks to become a Department Supervisor. LaVerne retired her tenure in healthcare at St. Catherine’s Hospital in East Chicago, Indiana.  She later established a home childcare business and began to influence another generation of movers and shakers. She was always willing to help whenever and wherever and was glad to be of service.  Her true affection for children was apparent and children were magnetically drawn to her.

Who will be missed by…

LaVerne is survived by her loving children, Yvonne Young, Lisa Reagins, Shannon (Derrick) Glenn;  devoted son-in-love, Christopher Young; step children, Lawrence (Cherri) Patton, Demetrius Colbert and Yuvette (Gino) Gordon; Siblings, Jimmy Carter, Margie Carter and Willie Carter; best friend and sister-in-law Idalia “Data” Colbert; “grands”, Dalton Bond, Savannah Bodie, Deja Reagins and Trinity Young; “great grands” Kalayah House and Kinsleigh Bond, many nieces, nephews, extra special sons and daughters; fur son PJ; family and friends.

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