LaVerne Dueker Billman

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Mrs. LaVerne Dueker Billman, 85, went to be with her Lord and Savior Friday, Oct. 5, 2012, surrounded by her loving family. LaVerne was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Jim Billman; her parents, Clarence and Fern Dueker; her twin sister, LaVonne; and her brother, Donald.

Survivors include four daughters, Judi (and Roy) Bendure, Peggy (and Marin) Garza, Jamie (and Bill) McGaugh, and Jennifer (and Kenny) Green;

A sister, Norma Simmons;

Eleven grandchildren, Sean Roberts, Derek and Michael Bendure, Jamie Schmitt Jones and Jordan Schmitt, Matthew and Seth McGaugh, Mark, Tessa and Jenna Garza, and Jared Cupples; and

Twelve great-grandchildren.

LaVerne cherished her role as a preacher's wife and mother. Her dedication to both was untiring. She was always there to lend a helping hand or heart to anyone who needed it. She passionately enjoyed cooking and baking, and will be warmly remembered by many for both. She also enjoyed doing needlework and was an accomplished seamstress. In the later half of her life, she was able to put her talents to use by working as a bakery manager at Wright's IGA in Norman, Okla. Although she loved doing all of these things, her favorite job in life was just being "Mimi."

Visitation will begin at noon Monday at Roller Citizens Funeral Home in West Memphis with funeral services at 1 p.m. Burial will be at 3 p.m. in Maple Grove Cemetery in Blytheville.

LaVerne loved helping at Christian Wrangler Camp every summer in Wynne, and we ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to them in her name. Please send to: Christian Wrangler Camp, 26 Lee 805, Marianna, AR 72360. An online guest book may be signed at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com