Born in Manifest, LA January 2, 1928 to Luther and Ruth Wright McMillin, she graduated from Manifest High School in 1945. While visiting her aunt in Memphis, TN she met and soon married Jack Watkins on August 16, 1946. In the late 40s they moved to Houston, TX where they lived until 1996 when they retired to Caddo Mills. LaVerne was a devoted wife, and mother of three children and served her Lord Jesus actively, especially through her church missions organizations. She was a member of New Life Church @ Covenant Ranch in Caddo Mills and a former member of Park Street Baptist in Greenville, as well as Southland, Garden Villas and Gulf Meadows Baptist Churches in Houston. She enjoyed traveling, cooking, sewing and spending time with friends and family.
LaVerne is survived by her sons, Rod Watkins (Karen) of Caddo Mills, Steve Watkins (Renee) of Liberty Hill, son-in-law Ken Benedict of Arlington, sisters Dorothea Drum of Quartz Hill, CA, Verda Reeves of Jena, LA; grandchildren Amy Watkins Berthold (Robert), Brian Watkins (Teresa) Shawn Watkins (Amanda), Trey Benedict, Stacy Watkins, Cody Watkins, Rachel Benedict Olheiser (Daniel), Jeremy Watkins and 5 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 69 years Granvel Jack Watkins, daughter Cathy Watkins Benedict, sister Iris Seyfert and brother Shelton McMillin.