Laverne Everage McElwee

Laverne Everage McElwee was born in Oak Grove, Louisiana on June 4th, 1936 to William and Ola West Everage and was raised by her father and stepmother Cozie. She lived a full life of 86 years and was welcomed home by her heavenly family on Wednesday, March 8th, 2023. Laverne grew up in Fairview Alpha with her four siblings, Reed, Hazel, Shirley, and J.W. After graduating Fairview Alpha High School, she met and married the love of her life, Bobby McElwee, and they settled in Natchitoches where the raised their two boys. She was a long time member of Calvary Baptist Church where she was able to continue to care for and serve the people around her. She was also known as a second mom to many of the neighborhood children. Apart from the full time job of raising her own two boys, creating a loving home, and supporting her husband, Laverne was an accomplished seamstress and baker. She loved to travel with her cousins and friends. Those left to carry on her legacy of love are her two boys, Gary McElwee and Delana Duplechin of Kinder, Louisiana and Jerry McElwee and wife, Darlene of Natchitoches; six grandchildren; and twelve great grandchildren. Laverne was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby; parents, William, Ola, and Cozie; brother, Reed, and sister, Hazel; and one grandchild, Matthew. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 10, 2023 for visitation and services will be officiated by Brother Richard Kaufman at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral home in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Interment to follow at Zion Cemetery in Fairview Alpha, Louisiana. Pallbearers will be Jonathan McElwee, Taylor McElwee, Jonathan Hanson, Garrett Dubois, Dennis Bryant, and Bobby Businelle. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, or St. Jude’s in Laverne’s memory.