Mrs. LaVerne Maynard Harrison DeShazo

The family of Mrs. LaVerne Maynard Harrison DeShazo, age 92, announces her passing which occurred on Saturday, July 25, 2020, at Hock Family Pavilion, 4023 N Roxboro Street, Durham, North Carolina 27704. LaVerne was born in Eckman, West Virginia. She is the daughter of the late John Milton Harrison and Lucille Maynard-Harrison. She gave her life to Christ at an early age. LaVerne was an active member of Mt Zion A.M.E. Church for many years. She taught Sunday School, directed the choir, acted as the church financial officer and clerk. She often was known for packing the kids into the old Chevy Chevette and going to various places to sing. Whatever needed to be done, if she couldn't do it, then she would find someone who could and it got done. She also participated in her community church (First Baptist Church of McDowell) and was a very close friend to many of its members. In 1994 health issues prompted her relocation to Durham, NC where she became a member of Mt. Zoar Missionary Baptist Church and The Rehoboth Covenant Bible Fellowship Church. Later she became a member of New Calvary Church. LaVerne attended McDowell County Schools, where she graduated from Kimball High School in 1945. She loved Kimball High School and we often heard her singing the school song (Dear Kimball High) when we were young. She was a very active-supportive member of the Kimball Alumni, attending the various Kimball Reunion locations. This was an annual highlight for her. She also attended and graduated in 1946 from Apex Beauty College, located in Richmond, Virginia. Afterwards, she moved back to Eckman, WV and began working as a Beautician in Teen’s Beauty Shop which was located in Keystone, West Virginia. She worked there for several years. LaVerne was married to William Lee DeShazo on October 26, 1947 by Rev. Willie Cannady at Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church. To their union were born five children. They are Joyce L. DeShazo-Eckstein (Ralph) of Cleveland, Ohio, Donna S. DeShazo-Wallace (Deceased), Billye Jo DeShazo (Deceased), William J.H. DeShazo (Phyllis) of Rougemont, N.C. and Don C. DeShazo (Tracey) of Hurdle Mills, N.C. She has nine grandchildren. They are Shevawn R. Edwards of Columbia, S.C., Leeshawn T. DeShazo-Mack (Steve) of Durham, N.C., Lakia C. Warfield (Rev. Julius) of Cleveland, Ohio, Bahjah L. Eckstein of Cleveland, Ohio, Tiara Bailey (TiRale) of Raleigh, N.C., William J.H. DeShazo, II of Durham, N.C., Juanisha L.S. DeShazo of Baltimore, MD, Tasia Bromell of Hurdle Mills, N.C. and Phuan G.A. DeShazo of Rougemont, N.C. She has thirteen great-grandchildren. They are Tiara C. Neal of Chicago, Ill., Carl Randle, Jr. of Durham, N.C., Tylin Moore of Pittsboro, N.C., Nakiyah Nesmith of Baltimore, MD, Cherokee Edwards of Durham, N.C., Nihjayla Warfield of Cleveland, Ohio, Chrishawn Tuten of Durham, N.C., Cassidy DeShazo of Pittsboro, N.C., Tyjae Carter of Baltimore, MD, Chyna Edwards of Oxford, N.C., Julian Lee DeShazo of Pittsboro, N.C., Tylah Carter of Baltimore, MD and Lacey Mae Bailey of Raleigh, N.C. She has two sisters. They are Mildred Hairston-Sis (deceased) of Columbus, Ohio and Phelola Moore-Doll Baby (deceased) of Cleveland, Ohio. She has a first cousin-Naomi Gray (100 yrs old) from Concord, N.C. She has a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends who she loves very much. LaVerne was a devoted Wife and Mother who will be missed very much by her family and friends. LaVerne loved reading scripture. Two of her most favorite are listed below: Psalms 121 and Proverbs 22:1. Two of her most favorite quotes are: 1. A good name is better to be chosen than great riches and 2. You are judged by the company you keep. Her family will always remember her by what we thought were her most famous quotes - "Don’t throw it away someone might need it." and "Your word is your bond." These quotes were a result of her father Milton’s teachings as he was responsible for the raising of his three girls after the death of their mother. LaVerne lived her life in full. She lead by example and was always willing to assist anyone in need. She believed that a person should be presented their flowers while they are able to enjoy them. She truly believed in the institution of the Bible, Family and Heritage. She sought every opportunity to teach and encourage her family to learn as much as possible about these things and for that we are truly grateful. To all of the caregivers who have Blessed our lives over the years by being a part of our parents lives. Thank you for sharing your hearts, your time, your knowledge, your unyielding desire to make it possible for our parents to have better quality of life over the many years that we have known you. Friendships were developed and now you are, as you know, a part of our Family. We Love you and Thank you. Viewings for Mrs. LaVerne Maynard Harrison DeShazo are as follows: -Wednesday, July 29, 2020, from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Scarborough & Hargett Celebration of Life Center, Inc., 309 N Queen Street, Durham, North Carolina 27701 -Friday, July 31, 2020, from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of McDowell, 376 San Diego Drive, Northfork, West Virginia. (No floral arrangements will be able to be delivered to this location) A graveside service of celebration has been scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2020, at 12:00 noon at Restlawn Memorial Gardens, 6605 New Hope Road, Bluefield, WV 24701.

Mrs. LaVerne Maynard Harrison DeShazo

October 26, 1927 - July 25, 2020