Obituary of Laverne Abernathy

Laverne Abernathy, of Pittsburg, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, Monday, March 7 at the age of 95. Mrs. Abernathy was born October 31, 1920 in Perkins, Oklahoma to Roscoe and Effie Clark Emerson. She was a member of the Perkins High School class of 1939. On January 3, 1942 she married the love of her life, D. H. Abernathy. In the following 66 years they shared together, they would laugh, love and raise three children: Mary Lou, David, and Betty Ann. Laverne was a devoted wife and mother and cherished every moment she spent with her family. She traveled extensively visiting places throughout the United States, as well as Canada and the Caribbean. In her younger years she was quite a bridge player and often hosted bridge parties at her home. Mrs. Abernathy was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Pittsburg, and a regular attendee before ill health limited her participation. Mrs. Abernathy is survived by her daughter: Mary Lou Spradling, of Leonard, Texas; her son: David Abernathy, of Pittsburg; 8 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents: Roscoe and Effie Emerson; her beloved husband, and former Mayor of Pittsburg: D. H. Abernathy; a daughter: Betty Ann Harrel; and two sisters: Maxine Martin, and Thelma Holman. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, March 12 at the First United Methodist Church of Pittsburg, with Reverend Hill Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., Friday, March 11 at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Pittsburg, 109 College Street, Pittsburg, Texas 75686, or to a charity of your choice.