Laverne Brown of Rochelle, IL, was called home to God on the morning of September 2, 2013. In her final days, she was surrounded by the love and comforting support of her family. Laverne was born to Noah and Alta Stark McDermott on August 2, 1931 and was the oldest of 9 siblings: Naomi, Doris, Lendon, Margie, Lana, Harold, William, and Ronnie. While Laverne was called 'Mom' by many in her close circle, her children are Phyllis, Donna and James. Laverne was quick-witted with a keen sense of humor and had a loving, sweet, caring disposition. She was happiest when she spent time pursuing her favorite hobbies: gardening, spending time with her family, and flirting with her husband of 52 years, Ken. Laverne found joy through the act of giving to others, arranging flowers, and cooking 'nom noms' for her loved ones.
Laverne is survived by her husband, Ken Brown; her siblings: Margie, Lana, William, and Ronnie; children: Phyllis (Richard) Ott, Donna Babb, and James (Vicki Gilbertson) Brown; grandchildren: Brad, Amy, Matt, JoEllen, Brittany and Jessica; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Noah and Alta; her brothers, Harold and Lendon, and sisters, Doris and Naomi.
The funeral service will be 10:30 A.M., Friday, September 6, 2013 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle. Visitation will be 5:00 - 7:00 P.M., Thursday. Burial is at Trinity Memory Gardens in Rochelle. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Serenity Hospice and Home.