Laverne was born on April 26, 1935, to the late Archie and Bertha Cates in Amarillo, Texas. She had 4 older sisters, 4 older brothers and one younger brother, all of whom preceded her in death. Laverne loved country and western music. She had a beautiful alto voice and, as a young girl, sang with her brother Frank. They were frequent guests on Bob Wills' radio show, Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys.
When Laverne was 17, she met the love of her life, James Bobby Blasengame, who was serving in the Air Force at the time. They married in September of 1952 and went on to have 4 beautiful children with the last two being a surprise set of twins. JB was an Arkansas boy and that set the stage for decades of rivalry as they both loved sports. Whenever Arkansas and Texas played, the kids never had to go into the room to know who was winning. They knew by who was yelling the loudest! Laverne and JB not only shared a love of sports, they were also avid bowlers in a bowling league. When they weren't bowling or yelling at a football game, they were often hosting their friends for hours long card games of spades and hearts. JB departed this world after 31 years of marriage. Laverne remarried in 1984 and spent 18 years with Coak ''Ed'' Elliott before he too left for his heavenly home.
Laverne spent nearly 50 years as a military spouse. She loved our country and supported our military and veterans. One of the things she was most proud of was the service of her son and grandchildren in the Coast Guard, Marines, Air Force and Navy.
Laverne lived her life with a no-nonsense attitude and didn't get her feathers ruffled over many things, but if you wanted an earful, she was always good for a lecture on religion or politics. She was a woman about her convictions who was never short on advice and had a scripture handy for every conversation. She loved gardening and growing things. Laverne could put a stick in the ground, and it would sprout! Along with her gardens, she loved the birds that visited, especially hummingbirds. She was also a wonderful cook and until her health prevented it, insisted on preparing family holiday meals on her own. She knew everyone's favorites and was always sure to have it on the table when we were visiting. She loved her family deeply and she loved us well.
In addition to her parents, siblings and spouses, Laverne was preceded in death by her great grandson, Carson Blasengame. She leaves behind to cherish her memory: sons, Dana (Valerie) Blasengame of White Hall, AR and Dennis (Sherry) Blasengame of Pine Bluff, AR; daughters, Cheryl Havard of Monticello, AR and Denise Hawthorne of Monticello, AR; grandchildren, Dylan, James, Tye, Daniel, Amber, Christopher, Rachel, Shaina, Brandy and Caleb; great-grandchildren, Lily, Brent, Madison, River, Regan, Lyric, Tristan, Ayala, Laela, Elliette, Bo, McKenzie, Cole, Kensley, Charlie, Rylee, Sawyer, Jade, Payton, Jenna, Alyssa, Bailey, Trent, Soren, Roman, Felicity, Carson, and Ryzen; great-great grandchildren, Isabelle, Denver, Emory, and Waylin, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel. You can sign Laverne's guestbook here on her page.
Condolences(3)
Amber Baker
Sheridan, AR Tuesday, January 7, 2025 We miss you so much, Granny. Your love and wisdom will forever be in our hearts. We love you.Helen Junell-Fassauer
Buda, TX Saturday, January 4, 2025 Cheryl, Dana, Denise and Dennis-I’m so sorry for all of you. I know she is at peace now and whole again. Remember the good times. I pray the Lord will give you peace and comfort during this time. I love you all dearly..
Helen
This was sent to me by a friend when Jody passed away, it has brought me so much comfort, I hope it helps all of you. 🙏🏻❤️✝️🙏🏻
If You Could See Where I Have Gone
If you could see where I have gone,
The beauty of this place,
And how it feels to know you’re home,
To see the Savior’s face.
To wake in peace and know no fear,
Just joy beyond compare.
While still on earth you miss me yet
You shouldn’t want me there,
If you could see where I have gone.
If you could see where I have gone,
Have made the trip with me,
You’d know I didn’t come alone,
The Savior came with me.
When I awoke, He was by my side,
And reached down His hand.
Don’t worry over those you love,
For I’m now with you.
And don’t you know with you at home,
They’ll long to be here, too.
If you could see where I have gone
And see what I’ve been shown,
You’d never know another fear,
Or feel alone.
You’d marvel at the care of God
His hand on every life,
And realize He really cares,
And bears with us each strife.
And that He weeps when one is lost
His heart is filled with pain.
But, oh the joy when one comes home,
A child is at home again.
If you could see where I have gone,
Could stay awhile with me
Could share the things God has made
To grace eternity.
But, no, you wouldn’t ever leave
Once heaven’s joy you’d known.
You couldn’t bear to walk earth’s paths
Once heaven was your home,
If you could see where I have gone.
If you could see where I have gone,
You’d know we’d meet some day.
And though I’m parted with you now
That I’m “just away,”
So thank you, thank you everyone,
For living for the Lord
For encouraging me to love Him
To trust in His word.
And now that I’m home with Him
Secure in every way,
I’m waiting here at Heaven’s door,
To greet you some sweet day.
Author Unknown.
Elizabeth Ferguson
Monticello, AR Saturday, January 4, 2025 Im so sorry to hear about ur mom Mrs. Denise and Mrs. Cheryl and your grandma Brandie my heart breaks for y'all my prayers and condolences are going up for y'all I hope y'all will be able to find peace know she is y'all's guardian angel now and watching over yall love y'all