LaVerne Brown

LaVerne (Lewis) Brown died peacefully at her home near Gosport on July 18,2025. She was 103 years old.

LaVerne was born on 2/26/1922 to Elsworth and Emma Fern (Crane) Lewis in Martin County, near Burn's City, Indiana. She had five brothers who preceded her in death: Gladys, Ermel, Maurice, Lester and Kenneth. Emma died when LaVerne was 12 years old so LaVerne assumed all the household duties for her Dad and five brothers. She attended Fayettevile High School. In 1937, she moved to Spencer, Indiana to help her older brother Lester Lewis run a gas station and snack shop. During that year, she met Mearl (Peanut) Brown and they married in 1938 and made their home on a farm near Gosport. Together, LaVerne and Mearl farmed the land and raised livestock: cows, pigs and chickens. LaVerne and Mearl had four children: Tony, Jack, John and Carole Joan (Brown) Stierwalt.

LaVerne and Mearl were married for 70 years and farmed until 1978 when they retired. Mearl died in 2008 at the age of 95. LaVerne was an accomplished homemaker, cook, gardener, preserving all her garden produce by canning and freezing the food. She worked along side her husband in the daily farm activities as did their four children. LaVerne and Mearl encouraged all four children to pursue higher education after high school graduation. They were members and were active in the Gosport Baptist Church. They also stressed the importance of a life of faith and service to others. LaVerne taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and was a member of the church's missionary society. LaVerne always contributed her canned and baked goods to church and community activities. Her pickles, beets and donuts were highly sought after at the Gosport's "Lazy Days" fund raisers.

LaVerne is survived by all 4 of her children, 13 of her 14 grandchildren, all 27 of her great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Son, Tony and Sherry (Johnson) Brown (deceased) have two sons, Jeff & David and 5 grandchildren. Son, Jack is married to Lora (Sharkey) Brown. Jack has 4 children Tim, Chris (deceased), Angie and Troy and 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Son, John and Carol (Brighton) Brown have 3 children, Jason, Amy Boyle and Peter. They have 7 grandchildren. Daughter, Joan and Tom Stierwalt (deceased) have 3 children, Lisa, Erika and Jeremy, 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. LaVerne was also survived by several of her nieces and nephews.

LaVerne had a strong Christian faith, was a good listener, neighbor, never knew a stranger. She welcomed all to their home and table and was generous with her time and talents. She was always interested in knowing about her family's activities and concerned for their welfare. Her method of giving advice to her family and friends was always tactful, gentle and kind. LaVerne was lucid and witty and had a wonderful sense of humor right up to the end. Her family and friends have been blessed by her long life, her loving and caring ways and for her beautiful example of a "Life Well Lived".

Funeral Services will be held at the Gosport Baptist Church on Saturday, July 26th. Visitation will be from 9:00 am to 11:00 am with funeral services at 11:00 am. Interment at the Gosport cemetery to follow. Chandler Funeral Home-Whitaker Chapel in Gosport is assisting with arrangements. Share condolences, memories and more with LaVerne's family by visiting her tribute page at www.chandlerfh.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mearl and LaVerne Scholarship Fund through the Owen County Community Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 503 60 E. Market Street Spencer, Indiana 47460 or Weekday Religious Education Fund (WRE) @ cbrighton324@gmail.com.