Laverne Heavner

Laverne Heavner, 84, of Little Rock, Arkansas went to be with the Lord April 15, 2022.  She was born June 2, 1937 in Monticello, Arkansas to the late John and Ruth (Gaddy) Funderburg.

Laverne loved the Lord and was a member of East Union Baptist Church.  She was an amazing homemaker who enjoyed cooking for a crowd.  She catered to all her family’s needs and was a caregiver to everyone.  Laverne enjoyed working in her flower and vegetable gardens.  She canned the harvest from her garden to enjoy during the winter months.  Laverne was also a skilled seamstress and quilter.  Favorite games with family included Rook, card games and dominoes.  Laverne was quite the prankster.  She would play jokes on her family as she loved to laugh and see others laugh.

Preceding Laverne in death are her husband, Bill Heavner; parents, John and Ruth Funderburg; and siblings:  Will Ed Funderburg, Elvin Funderburg, Allean Morgan, Johnny Mack Funderburg, Edmond Funderburg, and Jodie Winstead.

Laverne leaves behind her children:   Pamela Rusch and husband Fred of Little Rock, Charles Smith and wife Tammie of Little Rock, Eric Smith and wife Leslie of Little Rock, William “Billy” Heavner, III and wife Ellen of Bryant, Arkansas, and Tina Baldridge and husband John of Hensley, Arkansas; “bonus” son, Wayne Tazelaar and wife Deborah of Benton, Arkansas; grandchildren:  Jennifer Thomas, Ryan Thomas and wife Laura, Erick Rusch and wife Michelle, Amanda Woodley and husband Maurio, William Smith and wife Emily, Brittney Smith, Ashlyn Heavner, Logan Heavner, Alexis Baldridge, and Kaitlin Baldridge; fourteen great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Jane Tiner of Little Rock; the family rock, John Philpot of Little Rock; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends who love Laverne and will miss her always.

Visitation will be held 12:30-1:30 PM, Wednesday, April 20, with funeral service, officiated by Bro. Ron Sanders, following at 1:30 PM, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas.  Burial to follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Alexander.  Assisting as pallbearers are Gary Funderburg, Mark Winstead, Steve Winstead, Jeff Dye, Charles Thomas, and Dyllan Tazelaar.  Honorary pallbearers are John Philpot and Cody Tazelaar.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.