Lauretta G. Havner

Obituary For Lauretta G. Havner

Lauretta G. Havner entered the throne of grace early Thursday morning, February 19, 2026. She was at peace and surrounded by the love and presence of her family as she transitioned from labor to reward. Her work on this side of heaven was complete, and her reward is eternal.

Lauretta was born on March 29, 1942, in Greensboro, North Carolina, to the late David and Annie Laura Graham. She was the fifth of seven children and grew up in a home where faith, love, and perseverance were foundational values. From an early age, she demonstrated the strength, intelligence, and independence that would define her life.

She graduated in 1960 from James Benson Dudley High School, home of the Panthers, and later attended North Carolina A&T State University. She went on to dedicate 34 distinguished years as a librarian at the same institution, serving generations of students with professionalism, grace, and excellence. Lauretta was a quiet pillar of knowledge and guidance, respected by colleagues and students alike, leaving a legacy of mentorship and support.

On November 3, 1973, Lauretta married her beloved husband, Roosevelt C. Havner Jr. Their 52-year marriage reflected devotion, partnership, faith, and unwavering love. Together, they built a home rooted in love and structure, and family values.

While her professional accomplishments were notable, Lauretta’s greatest calling was motherhood. She raised her son, Christopher J. Havner, her daughter, Shanta E. Havner, and lovingly raised her granddaughter, Joilee L. Havner, with intention, strength, and deep love. No one could ever tell her they were anything less than her children. They were nurtured, protected, and prepared for the world.

Lauretta believed in exposure, opportunity, and vision. Both Christopher J. Havner and Shanta E. Havner thrived academically, participated in sports, and were actively involved in social and leadership organizations from a young age. Lauretta was the biggest cheerleader for both of her children, providing encouragement, guidance, and unwavering support, nurturing their confidence and ambition, and instilling a belief that there were no limits to what they could achieve.

She believed that life should be experienced fully. She exposed her children to opportunities beyond their immediate surroundings, taking them all over the country, including trips to Disney World, and ensuring they witnessed the Ronald McNair Space Shuttle, cultivating curiosity, exploration, and a sense of limitless possibility.

Her love extended to her grandchildren, and she nurtured them with compassion, guidance, and care. She instilled confidence and values that will endure for generations, leaving a legacy of love and strength.

Lauretta was outspoken, intelligent, sassy, and full of life. She laughed heartily, traveled widely, and maintained a deep loyalty to her family and circle. She loved hard, stood firm in her beliefs, and prepared her children and grandchildren not just to survive, but to thrive.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted husband of 52 years, Roosevelt C. Havner Jr.; her beloved children, Christopher J. Havner (and his children, Chris Jr. and Raymond Thompson) and Shanta E. Havner (and her children, Joilee L. Havner and Jamal D. Crump); her cherished great-grandchildren, Ashton and Ja’vani Crump; her brother, David Graham; her sisters, Mildred Williams and Johanne (Wilbert) Stokes; and a host of extended family, church family, colleagues, students, and lifelong friends.

Lauretta’s legacy is strength, exposure, love, and unwavering belief. She prepared her family for the world, and the foundation she built will endure for generations. The matriarch has taken her rest, and her life remains an inspiration to all who were blessed to know her.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, March 7, 2026 12pm Cassie Coote Brown Memorial Chapel at Perry J. Brown Funeral Home 909 East Market Street Greensboro, North Carolina. Visitation 11:30am.

Burial will follow at Guilford Memorial Park 6000 Gate City Boulevard Greensboro, North Carolina.

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