As I remember, LaVerne had leukumia and died when we were juniors. As the first lost classmate that I remember, he certainly deserves a rose...see ya on the other side...!
I went to elementary school with Laverne from the second grade on. He was quiet and shy as I remember. A rose for you Laverne. You left this world way too young.
As a parent now, to think about losing your child as a junior, brings the truth home in a powerful way. It makes heaven more real to know that one of our classmates went home so early. Here is another rose for you, LaVerne....I know your parents are looking forward to seeing you again....
Laverne was one of those "real" people and one of my best friends. He and Kenneth Bryant and I had many classes together - especially in the 10th grade. I remember him catching for Jimmy Blackmon's fastball warmups in the gym and turning over the nastiest rocks and such to find the best specimens of life in Biology class. I also remember looking out from the kitchen into the cafeteria during lunch and seeing Laverne and others at his table actually bow and ask a blessing for their food. Even as swollen as he got from the treatments - Laverne could still smile and his attitude was exemplary through his whole ordeal and passing. Laverne Allen was a genuine person and even after all these years, still greatly missed!
One afternoon after school, I had to go to the auditorium -- I don't even remember why now. When I opened the door, I heard the most beautiful music, and there was LaVerne Allen seated at the piano. I didn't even know he played the piano, and I just stood by him and listened, which was a miracle in itself, as shy as I was. But something about the beauty of that music created a space that felt safe. We talked a little bit as he played. I don't remember what we talked about, but what mattered was that within the context of that music, we spoke like two confident adults, quite removed from the social chaos of high school. Looking back at LaVerne's quiet Christianity, I think we might have recognized a little bit of Christ in each other. And I am so thankful that I had the privilege of seeing the gifted musician and the beautiful spirit that he was.
Beth Martin (Koin)
As I remember, LaVerne had leukumia and died when we were juniors. As the first lost classmate that I remember, he certainly deserves a rose...see ya on the other side...!Janice Price (Mungo)
I went to elementary school with Laverne from the second grade on. He was quiet and shy as I remember. A rose for you Laverne. You left this world way too young.Janice Burris (Welch)
I remember La Verne dying of Leukemia while we were juniors in high school
He was a very nice person. I now go to Church with his Mother and Father. Yes he certainly does deserve a Rose
Christopher Knight
I REMEMBER LA VERNE AND HIS DEATH AS A JUNIOR MY DAD DIED OF LUKEMIA WHEN I WAS A SOPH. LIFE IS SHORT SOMETIMES WAY TOO SHORT A ROSE TO YOU LA VERN.
Susan Norman (Duncan)
As a parent now, to think about losing your child as a junior, brings the truth home in a powerful way. It makes heaven more real to know that one of our classmates went home so early. Here is another rose for you, LaVerne....I know your parents are looking forward to seeing you again....
Sam Covington
Laverne was one of those "real" people and one of my best friends. He and Kenneth Bryant and I had many classes together - especially in the 10th grade. I remember him catching for Jimmy Blackmon's fastball warmups in the gym and turning over the nastiest rocks and such to find the best specimens of life in Biology class. I also remember looking out from the kitchen into the cafeteria during lunch and seeing Laverne and others at his table actually bow and ask a blessing for their food. Even as swollen as he got from the treatments - Laverne could still smile and his attitude was exemplary through his whole ordeal and passing. Laverne Allen was a genuine person and even after all these years, still greatly missed!
Connie Campbell (Cochran)
One afternoon after school, I had to go to the auditorium -- I don't even remember why now. When I opened the door, I heard the most beautiful music, and there was LaVerne Allen seated at the piano. I didn't even know he played the piano, and I just stood by him and listened, which was a miracle in itself, as shy as I was. But something about the beauty of that music created a space that felt safe. We talked a little bit as he played. I don't remember what we talked about, but what mattered was that within the context of that music, we spoke like two confident adults, quite removed from the social chaos of high school. Looking back at LaVerne's quiet Christianity, I think we might have recognized a little bit of Christ in each other. And I am so thankful that I had the privilege of seeing the gifted musician and the beautiful spirit that he was.
Margaret Williams (Slusher)
LaVerne had a gentle which resounded in his music. I thank my God for my remembrance of him.
Jeanne Roddey (Rutherford)
Laverne,Say hi to Mike-I always enjoyed talking to you-
Jeanne