Laverne (Whitfield) Gibson

Laverne Gibson, a devoted woman of God, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, and faithful servant of the Lord, peacefully entered eternal rest on December 19, 2025, at her home in Grand Rapids, Michigan, surrounded by the love of her family and cherished memories. She was 85 years old.

Our beloved Laverne was born on October 6, 1940, in Aberdeen, Mississippi, to the late Alvin Whitfield and Ossie D. Rowe. It was there that her faith, strength, and deep love for family were firmly rooted. She later moved north and united in marriage with her beloved husband, T.J. Gibson. Throughout her life, Laverne made her home in several communities, including Willimantic, Connecticut; Chicago, Illinois; Benton Harbor, Michigan; and ultimately Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she spent the majority of her years and established lasting roots.

A true example of perseverance, class, and excellence, Laverne later completed her high school education by earning her GED while working full time and fulfilling her roles as a wife, mother, and grandmother. She was the blueprint for her family, showing by example that determination, faith, and hard work open doors at every stage of life. Laverne dedicated many years of faithful service to Kent Community Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she achieved one of her most notable accomplishments of becoming the first Black unit secretary. Through hard work, determination, and grit, she rose from her role as a CNA to unit secretary, working closely with physicians and diligently supporting doctors’ orders for patients receiving drug and alcohol treatment. With a warm heart, unwavering patience, and remarkable strength, Laverne served in this role as a faithful steward to God and to the community until her retirement.

Family was one of Laverne’s greatest joys and proudest accomplishments. The love she poured into her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was returned to her abundantly, just as Scripture declares: “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” (Proverbs 31:28)

She is lovingly remembered by her cherished children: Dr. Laura Jones (Mike), Janeth Walker, and Thomas Walker; her sister, Laura Wilson; her brothers, Herman Whitfield (Louis), George Whitfield (Doris), and Clarence Whitfield (Leslie); and a rich legacy of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves to cherish her memory a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, dear friends, and beloved church family members. Laverne was a true and loyal friend to many, including her cherished friend, Diana Bolden.

Laverne was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, T.J. Gibson; her cherished children James Lee Walker III (Sharon), Jeffery Walker, Teresa Walker-Okuwasi (Nnamdi), and Rena Walker; her brother, Wendell Whitfield; and beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild who welcomed her home to glory.

A woman of deep, devoted, and abiding faith, Laverne accepted Christ early in life and remained steadfast throughout her journey. She raised her children in the church, ensuring they would know the goodness of the Lord. She was a longtime, faithful member and usher at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, where she proudly led efforts for the Pastor’s Anniversary. She also served faithfully on the usher board until her illness and earthly transition. In earlier years, she worshiped at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, New St. Mark and Faith Missionary Baptist Church. Laverne also served for decades on the choir, often lifting her voice in song, including the beloved hymn “Going Up Yonder.” She truly lived the words of Psalm 84:10 (KJV):
“For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand… I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.”

One of Laverne’s most memorable love languages was cooking. Having learned to prepare full meals as a child, she delighted in feeding family and friends. When Laverne cooked, there was always a lovingly offered plate. She was especially known for her famous chicken and dressing, collard greens, fried chicken, and fried peach pies. Many also fondly remember her handmade peanut brittle, affectionately named “Verne’s Brittle”, a uniquely delicious treat that was sold in restaurants and stores and shared far and wide.

Guided by her values of faith, family, and fun, Laverne lived her life with joy and laughter. With her quick wit and loving presence, she blessed others with a warm, playful spirit uniquely her own. She was easy to talk to, nonjudgmental, and met no strangers. She would readily give shelter, food from her refrigerator, or even the clothes off her back to anyone in need. She was truly a rare kind of angel on earth, deeply loved and dearly missed.

She cherished time spent talking and laughing with family and friends, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They brought her tremendous joy. They would sit with her or call just to laugh together, drawn to the wisdom and love she freely shared. Her presence always left others smiling.

Laverne Gibson lived a life of love, service, and unwavering faith. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. 

She has now heard the words, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant,” and has gone home to glory.

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