LaVerne M. Thomas

LaVerne M. Thomas, 83, passed away Monday, August 16, 2004, at her daughter’s home. She was born on October 30, 1920, to Eugene and Hortense Anderson Mott of Kansas City, MO. LaVerne was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Mazelma E Jones and Jeanne Vivian Hughes and one brother, Joseph Mott. She attended St. Monica grade school, Lincoln High School and Lincoln Business College, where she graduated #1 in her class with a certificate in secretarial skills. LaVerne was married to Charles E Neaves, a police officer who died in the line of duty. Two children were born to their union. She married John B. Thomas and they had 10 children. Their marriage lasted 40 years until his passing on July 28, 1990. She began her professional career at Atlanta Life Insurance Company as an Administrative Assistant. After her second marriage, LaVerne came home to raise her children. In 1968, she began a new career with the Jones Store Company, where she was employed as the first African American Auditor. She retired 15 years later and came home to help raise her grandchildren. LaVerne leaves to mourn her passing four sons, Terry E. Neaves (Marian Hayes), John B Thomas (Charnice), Stephen M. Thomas and Tony N. Thomas (Kathy). She also leaves eight daughters, Patricia Williams (Don), M. Jenise Comer, M. Denise Thomas, Damita Jo Thomas, Gina D. Thomas, Andrea A. Thomas, Penney A. Gause and Elayna R. Jones. She adored all 23 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren. Additional mourners include her nieces, Aletrice “Sweetie” Shackelford, Cynthia Peacher (Clifford), Yvonne Russell (William); nephews, Joseph Mott Jr. (Patricia), Phillip Mott (Phyllis) and a host of grand nieces, grand nephews, friends and church family members. Services will be held at St. Monica Catholic Church, 1616 Paseo, at 5:45 p.m. on Friday, August 20. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the LaVerne M. Thomas Memorial Scholarship Fund, 7416 Richmond, K.C. MO 64133