Laverne Jean Parrish Anderson was born on October 1, 1933 in Memphis, Tennessee.  She was the first of four children born to Ed and Della Parrish. Laverne grew up in a very loving atmosphere surrounded by parents, siblings and a large extended family.

 

Laverne married Otha Hickman and that union produced her only child, Donna Hicks-Colbert.

 

Laverne learned the truth and was shortly baptized in 1954 as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Through her efforts many family members came into the truth including her mother, father, three siblings, six aunts, cousins and a host of others with whom she studied. Laverne spent many years serving 

in the South where the need was great. She and her then-husband were instrumental in the starting of a congregation there from an isolated group.

 

Laverne was a very gregarious person, She loved to entertain and She loved to play Cards and Dominoes. She had many friends, one noting “I knew Laverne almost 50 years and we never had an argument”. 

 

Laverne’s daughter Donna, mother Della and father Ed preceded her in death. She leaves behind one brother, Delbert Parrish, two sisters Lorraine Wells and Shirley Wimbley Taylor, four grandchildren Damon Hicks, Duana Hicks, Brandi Hicks, Roland Colbert, 14 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild, along with a host of beloved stepchildren and a beautiful spiritual family.

 

We will miss you “Dern”, as her siblings affectionately called her. 

 

Yes, Laverne will dearly be missed but as she strongly believed, we will soon be reunited in Jehovah’s promised new world! See you in Paradise....