LaVerne S. Nelson

LaVerne Smith Nelson

February 11, 1929 - January 29, 2017 

LaVerne succumbed to the ravages of Alzheimer’s after an almost 15-year battle with this insidious disease.  Ruby LaVerne was born to Walter and Ruby Smith in February, 1929, at the beginning of the Great Depression.  Living in the country-side north of Waller, Texas, she was the “apple of her parents’ eyes”. 

After graduating from the Waller public schools, LaVerne attended Sam Houston State Teachers College in Huntsville where she met her husband to be, Oscar F. Nelson, Jr, a “dashing young Army officer” recently returned from the European theater of World War II.  After a courtship, Oscar and LaVerne married and moved to Anahuac, Texas, where they would live for nearly 50 years.  In addition to meeting Oscar at Sam Houston, LaVerne also met one of her future sisters-in-law and one of her future brothers-in-law, Margie Nelson and Louis Thames, as well as many others who became life-long friends.  

LaVerne was preceded in death by both parents, parents-in-law, husband Oscar, and brother, Arvard Smith. 

LaVerne and Oscar had two sons, Walter F. (Teddy) and Randall Stephen (Randy).  LaVerne was the quintessential 1950’s mother, doting on both sons, making certain they were always dressed correctly with their hair combed, but most importantly that they understood three things: (1) the importance of education, (2) always be polite and respectful, and (3) that hard work and perseverance would lead to life-long success. 

LaVerne was always at her husband’s side.  Oscar owned the Trinity Valley Motor Company in Anahuac, (the Chevrolet dealership), ran an independent insurance agency, and what would become the highlight and defining years of their lives, was elected County Judge of Chambers County, serving for more than 25 years.  

After her boys graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, LaVerne decided she needed a new challenge and became a case worker for a State of Texas’ social welfare program from which she ultimately retired.  She was also a member of the ESA sorority, a lady’s service organization in Anahuac. 

LaVerne was a wonderful wife, mother and friend, and is survived by Teddy and his wife Kathryn, their daughters, Meredith Jackson and Lauren Nelson; Randy and his wife, Celine, and their daughter, Stephanie Celine Nelson; three other grandchildren, Randall Nelson, II, Raul Nelson, and Marta Nelson; six great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, as well as a host of great nieces and nephews.  

This great lady will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in LaVerne’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6055 South Loop East, Houston, TX 77087-1005.

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