Laverne Patterson

LaVerne Frieda (Drews) Patterson left her earthly life at 12:30am on February 25, 2016 to start her eternal life with her Heavenly Father. A couple of years ago she said, "I love God so much." She is now with her Heavenly Father who loves her so much. She just turned 84 years old and was born in the month of February to William and Friedericka Graening Drews in Danville, Illinois. She was raised in Danville with her two older brothers, Eugene and Earl Drews. She was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church, attened Trinity Lutheran School through eighth grade, was married there and raised her own children in this church. She was baptized and confirmed in this church due to her family's strong German heritage. She attended Danville High School and graduated in the class of 1950. She loved attending her class reunions. On July 1, 1950 she married William "Pat" Patterson and she was married to him for almost 61 years before he started his eternal life in 2011. They had three children whom she loved dearly: Jan (Dan) Thomen, Susan (Royce) Adamson, and Guy (Julia) Patterson. She also had six grandchildren: Her only granddaughter, Dana Tucker Lee; grandsons, Brock Tucker, Christopher Frazier, Cole Frazier, Jeremiah Patterson, and Zachary Patterson. She had 11 great-grandchildren and one great great-grandson. LaVerne is also survived by her sisters-in-law Phyllis Drews, Marilyn Ruffner, and Judy Cacciatore, her nephew Michael Drews and niece Lucretia Hardy. LaVerne was preceded in death by her beloved husband William "Pat" Patterson, her parents whom she loved dearly, her dearly loved brother Earl and her dear brother Gene. LaVerne was a beautiful woman who loved to dress in beautiful clothes. Her favorite place to go was Chico's in Champaign. Her car knew the way! Pat and LaVerne built their home on Carleton's Dell Road in 1974. She worked right alongside her husband in building their home. LaVerne worked at as a switchboard operator at Illinois Bell, then at Morris Flamingo, and J.C. Penney in the 60's. She then went to work at Eisner's/Jewell and retired from there around 1987. She enjoyed playing golf at the Elk's and Blue Needles with her husband and her women golf buddies. She also liked to play euchre and gin rummy. Pat and LaVerne greatly enjoyed dancing together all their lives. They also enjoyed the many great vacations they took with their large group of friends to Santee, SC every year! After retirement they bought a winter home in Port Charlotte, FL and enjoyed the winters with Jim Wheeler, Audrey Thorlton and Jack and Wilma Timms. Wilma and Audrey were LaVerne's best friends. A celebration of LaVerne's life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church of Danville on Tuesday March 1, 2016 at 11:30 am. With Pastor Tibben officiating. A visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service. Memorials can be made in LaVerne's name to Trinity Lutheran Church. Please join LaVerne's family in sharing memories, pictures and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com