Joyce "Laverne" Etheredge

Joyce "Laverne" Etheredge, 89, passed away in Dade City, Florida on October 13, 2025. She was born in Ocilla, Georgia on February 16, 1936 to James and Mary Oliver. Laverne was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Bushnell where she sang in the choir for over 50 years. She grew up as a sharecropper's daughter in South Georgia, where she worked hard alongside her family where she farmed and harvested tobacco and cotton. From an early age, she displayed a strong work ethic and an even stronger spirit of love and faith. A talented athlete, Laverne was a state champion basketball player and proudly played alongside her sisters as part of "The Oliver Girls". She was also an outstanding bowler-and at one time had the highest scores in the state of Florida for women bowlers. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and started a girls softball league called "Miss Softball America." in Sumter County. Laverne was a master gardener for 30 years, a great cook, and a wonderful mom to all. She is survived by her sons: Stephen Etheredge of Lake Panasoffkee, Florida, Daniel Etheredge of Bushnell, Florida; daughters: Darby Etheredge of Bushnell, Florida, and Melinda Etheredge Berryhill of Bushnell, Florida; grandchildren Nichole, Alexis (Darren), Mark, Analin, Matt; great-grandchildren: Kaison, Brayden, Stella, Scarlett, Anya, and twins; sisters Martiel Davis, Barbara Gordon, and Alicia Oliver; brother Stanley Oliver (Glenda). Laverne was preceded in death by her husband James Newton Etheredge, her daughter Julie Etheredge, and her brothers Marion Oliver and Aubrey Oliver. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in her memory. A visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Bushnell on Thursday, November 13, 2025 from 10:00am-11:00am with the service to follow at 11:00am. Interment will follow to Florida National Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.purcellfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Purcell Funeral Home, Bushnell, Florida.