LaVerne McCormick,Age 79,Of Battle Creek, Died Saturday, May 7, 2011, surrounded by her family. LaVerne was born on December 29, 1931, in Louisville, KY, 1 of 14 children to James R. and Dorothy J. (Gilpin) Cissell. She moved to the area in the 1950’s coming from Kentucky. On January 24, 1952, she was united in marriage to Sampson “Smokey” T. McCormick who preceded her in death in 2009. She was employed as a fountain manager at S.S. Kresges for 23 years then owned and operated LaVerne’s Family Restaurant on Territorial Road until her retirement in 2000. She was a long time member of the Eagles Lodge #299. LaVerne’s love in life was cooking and taking care of her family and friends. Surviving are daughters, Susie Parker of Battle Creek and Reta (Delbert) Rice of Dowagiac; 5 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and 4 step-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and 5 brothers. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 2 to 4:00 p.m. and 6 to 8:00 p.m. at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 11. 2011, at the funeral home with The Rev. Thomas R. Wilkey officiating. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society. www.henryfuneralhome.org
