Missionary Lavern Coley was born on January 10, 1957 in Goldsboro, North Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Deacon David Coley and Roxie Best Coley. She was spiritually guided by the love of her parents. She was called home on October 24, 2021.
Missionary Lavern Coley graduated from Fayetteville State University with a degree in Business Administration. She worked for Self-Help Credit Union for 40 years, and part-time for Home Instead Senior Care for 15 years.
She attended God's Temple Church of Christ under the leadership of Overseer and Pastor Yvonne Bryant (deceased) where she served faithfully by her side for 21 years. She was a great Woman of God with unlimited qualities who was a loving and caring friend and mother to many. Who could find a virtuous woman? The cost of God is more than rubies.
Left with cherished memories brother, David Coley; sister, Helena Bell; many nieces and nephews; and a host of other family and friends.
A Memorial service honoring her life will be held in the Cassie Coote-Brown Memorial Chapel of Perry J. Brown Funeral Home on Thursday, November 4, 2021. The visitation begins at 11:30 am. and the service will begin at 12:00 pm.
Services will be livestreamed on the Perry J. Brown Funeral Home Website under "Live Stream" at 12:00 pm.
Services entrusted to Perry J. Brown Funeral Home.
Tonight is 12-27-2023 and I am just finding that Lavern has gone to live with Jesus on 10-21-2021. I have been retired from Burlington Industries and Choice Federal Credit Union for many years now and just wanted to talk to Lavern. There will never ever be but one Lavern. She was the Spirit of God on this earth and always shared His love to all she met. I am in shock and all I can say is "Lavern, I still love you and we'll meet again in Heaven. Your Christian Friend, Ruby Finch
I am so sorry to learn of LaVerne's passing. I worked with her at Burkington Industries even before the credit union started. She has been a friend and a mbr for years. He smile and infectious laugh was always a joy! You knew when she walked in. Her love for her Lord and s ior was always shining. Rest peaceful sweet friend. My heart aches for your loss but I rejoice in heaven's gain. Deb Morton/SECU retired
Sorry for your loss . Praying for you and your family .
So sorry for your loss . Praying for you and your family .
From Fuzzy s children we share countless memories at our grandma birthday dinners. We will miss your warm and loving smile and as the Best family does the loud laughter. As we mourn you we all know God makes no mistake tell our Daddy hello and kiss Aunt Tranne and my grandma Martha rest in heavenly peace. -Pooh
My deepest sympathies to Dave and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Lavern was one of the sweetest people I have ever known. Class of 75 lost a great one. Love, Percy Swift
Dave, you have my deepest condolences. So sorry for your loss. Lavern was one of the nicest people that had ever come in my life. May God continue to bless you and your family in this time of need.
I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mrs. Lavern Coley, I had the pleasure of her company many days as she worked with a resident at the facility where I work and I often saw her during my visits to Self Help Credit Union. We formed a great relationship and I will truly miss her. May God strengthen all during this time of bereavement.
LOVE YOU MY FRIEND.....Paula Myers
Family and Friends of Lavern....We can shed tears because she is gone or we can smile because she lived. We can close our eyes and pray she will come back or open our eyes and see all that she left for us. Our hearts can be empty because we can't see her or we can be full of the love we shared with Lavern. We can turn our backs on tomorrow and relive yesterday or we can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. We can remember that she is gone or we can cherish her memory and let it live on. We can cry and close our minds and feel empty or we can do what she would want....SMILE, OPEN OUR HEARTS, LOVE...and go on. LOVE YOU MY FRIEND
My condolences to the family 🙏
Sincerest condolences to the family and many friends May we all find comfort in knowing she is safe in His arms Kindergarten buddies,neighbors, childhood friends , Wayne County Public School classmates Rest In Peace
Met Verne at FSU in 1975,always had a good time with her,great spirit.
Deacon Dave, Ellen, Nisa and families, our hearts are filled with prayers for each of you. Realizing earth has no sorrow that heaven can not heal, we look to the Lord to strengthen and keep you during this transition. Find memories of Gat will remain with us. Her infectious smile will always be remembered. She was a wonderful woman, full of joy and laughter. May the legacy she has left behind be a constant reminder of the life she lived and loved.
My cousin Laverne(Gatsie)Coley with a beautiful spirit, smile and laughter. Gat was far more like a big sister to me than a cousin. She will definitely be missed by all of us, but one thing we know is that Gat had a relationship with God and now she is in her mansion. Love Cousin Reggie Swinson and wife Terrie
As we look back through the years of friendship, we learn to cherish each one that has touched our lives. Lavern touched many of us and she will be greatly missed. The Goldsboro High School Class of 1975 extends its condolences to the family and we say to Lavern thank you for your kindness and friendship. You will be missed and you will always be loved by your family and friends. Rest in power classmate..
We are broken hearted in Goldsboro, to lose a wonderful cousin & sweet spirit. Thanks to all who embraced our Gatsy through the years. You will never be forgotten ❤. Love Sheila Smith/ cousin Pine
Lavern was a very sweet person with a beautiful smile! I am glad that she was my classmate of the GHS Class of 1975. Iris Oates Argroe
For 40+ years, I had the honor of calling Lavern my friend. Not only was she my friend, but she was my confidant, prayer partner, laughing buddy, encourager, and so much more! What started as a friendship between two young ladies at FSU, quickly became a family affair because my family embraced and loved her too! She was one of a kind and I will never find another person with the special characteristics that she possessed. I know, without a doubt, that our loss is truly heaven's gain. I will miss our many conversations and laughs that we shared often. I will never, ever forget you! Sleep on sister and take your well deserved rest!!
Lovingly submitted,
Paulette Joyner Sharpe & Family
Lavern was a true sweetheart. I always enjoyed speaking to her when I was at the branch. She was a legend in our credit union and will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathies to her family, her church family and our colleagues in Greensboro.
Lewis Dancy
To our extended Coley Family please accept out warmest condolences during this time. We have lost a sweet soul and a beautiful smile that can't be replaced. We pray God's love cover you all and know everything is going to be alright.
The Swinson Family- Cookie, Pauline, and Toni
To the family of Lavern Coley. She and I were classmates and graduated together in 1975 from Goldsboro High School. She was an awesome fun-loving person. She always smiled and we shared lots of laughs. She is going to be greatly missed. Cassandra Barnes-Chisolm
My sincere sympathies and prayers to Lavern's family. She was my neighbor and friend for many years. We looked out for one another and shared many upbuilding conversations. She always had a smile and kind word for everyone. I will miss her dearly. Pam Vaughn
Sending my condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of knowing & working with Lavern for 36 years. We had a lot of fun talking about the old days at the Credit Union. She was a very special person of great faith and a joy to be around. As a friend and co-worker she will be greatly missed! - Valerie Clark
Sympathy is extended to Lavern Coley' family, She was a co-worker, yet a good friend to me and others who came n the credit union. She will never be forgotten and I know she is with her Savior now. May God bless her family now and always. We will miss you Lavern. Friend and co-worker- Frances Cooper
Condolences to the family. I will always remember the last time we talked and laugh over the phone. Always encouraging words you had. That your wings and fly high. You will be miss. Wanda Weeks GHS Class 1975.
I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Lavern. When we worked together we laughed more than we worked (Choice Credit Union). We were the supremes (DaVita, Lavern and me). I spoke to her this year and as others have mentioned, she was encouraging from the beginning of our conversation to the end. Always smiling. In our last text message, we ended the message with "Love You". The credit union won't be the same without her and neither will I. Love You Lavern.
Cassandra Taylor
I was truly saddened to hear of the passing of my good friend Lavern. We worked in the same building together for over thirteen years. We became great close friends right away. Lavern always shared her family funny sayings which kept me laughing. I told her many times that she should write a book of her family's quotes. It would be a best seller. Lavern loved helping people. She met my family and they fell in love with her. She even helped my father, who suffered with Dementia. There was something about her smile and voice that comforted him and he smiled at her everything he saw her. I hope they see each other in heaven. Lavern will be dearly missed by all who knew her, especially me. I Love you, My Friend! It's not goodbye, but See You Later! Angela Vincent
Sending my condolences to the family. There is such a void, missing her presence at the credit union with the stories and the laughter and praise. She loved the Lord so we all know she is HOME now and celebrating. We each have our fond memories we can cherish. Coworker/friend- Susan Padgett
Sending prayers of comfort to the family of Lavern Coley. She was a truly a special friend and coworker I always enjoyed her stories of growing up down east and just being a great woman of God even though my heart is heavy I know she is with Lord. Her presence will definitely will be missed. Latanya Stevens
To the family of Laverne coley. My deepest condolences to you all for the loss of my dear friend "Verne." I met Laverne about 30 years ago at church. She was like a sister to everyone she met...and she never met a stranger. Such a kind and gentle spirit. Fly High Verne, you will be missed. Monique Hayes
My dear sweet cousin who has always been known to me as "Gatsy" I will miss you , miss our talks, our laughs. I will always remember all of numerous conversations. Thank you for your love and support. Hard to believe we just talked and laughed Oct. 11th. Grateful we Maximize our Moments! Continue to Rest in his Arms! Michelle Coley-Anderson "Chelle"
My heart is heavy upon hearing about the passing of my dear dear friend! We met at FSU and our friendship began the first time I met her! She always had a smile and a supportive message to give you! She never lost sight on who she was and to whom she belonged: our Heavenly Father! Rest my loving friend until we meet again . Viola Lewis Elliott
To the Coley Family, we are so sorry to hear about the passing of Lavern. She called me three weeks ago and sung a Happy Birthday song to me. We worked together at the credit union, and continued to be friends after I moved on. She was a beautiful woman of God and always reminded me to watch as well as pray. I will miss my friend dearly. The Mack Family
Lavern has been a staple at Self-Help Credit Union. She brought laughter and joy to everyone whom she encountered. There is no doubt that she is in heaven rejoicing, but she will be deeply missed here on earth. Melissa David Co-worker/ friend
Lavern was a dear friend and classmate—Fayetteville State University.Her smile and laughter will be miss. Sending condolences to the family. Brenda D. Herring
Sending condolences to the family.Lavern was a dear friend and classmate—Fayetteville State University.Her smile and laughter will be miss.
Praying for the family during the passing of my dear friend and Fayetteville State roommate,Lavern. She was one of sweetest person I knew. Always had an encouraging word no matter what was going on.
FAYE BYNUM BRONCO PRIDE CLASS OF 79/80
Lavern has been a good friend of my family and I for years! We looked forward to her breezing through time with her beautiful smile and warm laughs. She will definitely be missed! Please know that you are in our prayers and we pray that the God of all comfort give you peace. - Doris M. Allen & Family
To the family of Lavern Coley have known her for over forty years and a sweeter person i cant find may God continue to watch over you in your time of sorrow. Pat Morris
Heartfelt sympathy to the family of Lavern Coley. Will always remember her sweet smile and never saw a sad moment from her. May God provide comfort and peace, especially during your time of sorrow. Debra D. Bailey. GHS Class of 75.
Heartfelt sympathy to the Coley family and friends. Lavern was one my best friends and classmate. She will be missed; but never forgotten. Rest in God's Loving Care Lavern.
Goldsboro High School Class of 1975
Fayetteville State University Alumnae Class of 1980
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