LaVerne Evelyn (McCain) Chandler

LaVerne Evelyn McCain Chandler was born on July 8, 1952, to Douglas McCain and Mary Eliza Jeffries McCain. She grew up in the historic town of Milton, North Carolina, among loving relatives, caring neighbors, and life-long friends.  LaVerne was baptized at an early age at High Street Baptist Church, where her Christian education began.

LaVerne attended New Dotmond Elementary School from first through the eighth grades.  She then attended George Washington High School in Los Angeles, California during her freshmen and sophomore years. She returned home after her sophomore year, and attended Caswell County High/Bartlett Yancey Senior High Schools in Yanceyville, North Carolina, and graduated in 1970.  She began her college career at Morgan State University, and in 1974, she earned a Bachelor degree in Social Science Education. She further her education by pursuing a Master of Education in Administration, from Morgan State University.  She was a well-respected educator in the Baltimore City and Fluvanna County Virginia School Systems. Laverne retired from the public-school system, and became a Part-Time Employee with Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia. LaVerne always excelled at working with students and celebrated many successes during her long career as an educator.   Even in retirement, she mentored and encouraged young people who desired to be teachers.

LaVerne became a passionate advocate for human rights and a fearless opponent of the abuse of power in government.

 LaVerne  was involved in several public and community service organizations, and was an active member of the Class of 1974 Planning Committee at Morgan State University.  She was a member of The Links, Inc., and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She became Queen of Iota Phi Theta, Inc., and played in the band during her undergraduate years at Morgan State University.  She was very supportive of all things Morgan and her class activities.  She was not only a member, but a leader, giving her time and energy to ensure the success of their endeavors. She was always enthusiastic and fun to be around.

LaVerne loved life and lived it to the fullest. She was a devoted wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt whose love for her family was always present. Her kind spirit, beautiful smile, beautiful eyes, her stylish and sophisticated ways, and loving heart will be missed. 

On October 31, 2019, LaVerne made a peaceful transition to be with the Lord.  She leaves to cherish her memory, a devoted husband, Rev. Dr. Henry A. Chandler; one son, Brian E. Small (Kerri Ann) of Portland, Oregon; two grandsons, Bodey E. Small and Brockton E. Small of Portland, Oregon; mother, Mary Eliza McCain of Milton, NC; one sister, Dr. Judy McCain Pounds (John) of Durham, NC; three brothers, Jeffrey D. McCain of Nashville, NC, Darrell McCain (Darlene) of Durham, NC, and Gregory Smith (Ruby) of Southport, NC; one uncle, Jeremiah Jeffries (Barbara) of Milton, NC; three aunts, A. Drusilla McCain of Washington, DC, Erie Graves of Adelphi, MD, and Susie Johnson of Danville, VA; Her nieces and nephews, many cousins, her dogs Kate Beagle and Peter Authur, and her many loyal classmates, friends, and colleagues.

She was preceded in death by her father Douglas McCain; maternal grandparents, Joseph Jeffries Jr. and Alice Hicks Jeffries; and paternal grandparents, King David McCain and Elizabeth Hughes McCain.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at Grace & Glory Lutheran Church, 683 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, (Route 3), Palmyra, VA 22963.

JF Bell Funeral Home, Inc., 108 6th Street NW, Charlottesville, VA 22903 is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.jfbellfuneralservices.com

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