LaVerne, 88, was called to her forever home to be with The Lord and Savior. Her welcoming committee was undoubtedly led by her parents, Roy Otis and Elon Crosby. Joined by her brother Ronnie Crosby, her son J. Bruce Barnhill, niece Kim Crosby, and great-nephew Skylar McMichael. Along with, her very special love, companion, and friend, Bob Permane. Also, many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who have gone to paradise before her.

LaVerne will be forever remembered and greatly missed by her family and many friends; including her brothers Virgil (Linda) Crosby of Statham, GA, and Rudy (Lisa) Crosby of Bradenton, FL; and daughter Bonnie (Mike) Miranda, sons John (Sharon) Barnhill, and James (Rosie) Barnhill, all of Bradenton, FL. As Grandma Barnhill, she had a very special and endless love for each and every one of her 10 grandchildren (Jason, Bree, Darlane, Anastasia, Justin, Tiffany, Blake, Jacob, Jesse, and James) and 12 great grandchildren.

Also known as Aunt Nern and "Lavender" by some, she was always happiest just talking and spending time with family and friends. Her mother taught her to be a great cook, and she was well known and appreciated for her Texas Sheet Cake, fabulous meatloaf, and mouthwatering chicken and dumplings... among many others.
LaVerne was proudly born, raised, and lived her entire life in Bradenton. Some of the boys in the Punkin Center area of her childhood home called her the "prettiest little thing around." (And she was). Growing up on a dairy farm with 2 wonderful, hard working parents and 3 doting brothers gave her a unique combination of sweetness and self-confidence. She also had many great friends throughout her youth, many of those genuine bonds continued for her lifetime.

In 1950, she graduated from Manatee High School. She enjoyed being a member of the drill team for several years. She had many great years of employment and retired from the State of Florida's Gulf Coast Research & Education Center (GCREC).
After retirement, LaVerne enjoyed traveling with her dearest Bob. They also had many years of fun with special friends in their square dance groups and RV camping clubs. Because she was so likeable, she made friends easily. Later in life she was part of a special group of gals who would get together every Thursday for lunch and then a competitive round of Dominos (Mexican Train). She taught the game to others in her family who will always think of her when playing.

LaVerne had a very kind and giving spirit, always willing to help someone in need, be a meal or a ride somewhere or a place to stay, she would find a way to help. She was a long-term member of Manatee Baptist Church, and her commitment there was brought about because of her deep love for Christ and her sincere love for her church family.

She was given a special talent of flower arranging which she used every chance she got. She created many beautiful arrangements for the church sanctuary, as well as the flowers for several weddings of family and friends, etc. Working with flowers came very natural to her, as her love for gardening was surely inherited from her mother. Now the two of them are tending together to God's extraordinary garden in Heaven.

A visitation and viewing will be held at Manatee Baptist Church, at 1501 7th Avenue East, Bradenton, FL; on Tuesday, March 23 at 11:00am, followed by a service at 12:00pm. Please join the family to share a meal at the church directly following the service. Also, in honor of LaVerne, the family