Laverne Stafford

Stafford, Laverne 6/4/1936 - 10/4/2022 Laverne Stafford, of Portage, MI passed away on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at the age of 86. Laverne was born on June 4, 1936, to Edgar and Marriam (Reynolds) Paris. Laverne graduated from South High School in 1954 and joined the Naval Reserves of Youngstown, OH, shortly after until she was honorably discharged in 1958. Laverne married Bert Secrist Jr. in 1958 and had 2 children, Mark Secrist (deceased) and Laura (Kent) Williams. Later met the love of her life, Larry Stafford Sr., and became stepmom to Ginger (Anthony) Lamar, Larry Stafford Jr., and Kellie (Vince) Abbott. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Laura VanSweden; grandchildren, Jennifer Williams, Alex Williams, and Lydia VanSweden; step grandkids, Vickie (Tyler) Nagy, Danny (Becca) Colter, Kevin Colter, Ryan Snook, and Rachel Snook; great grandchildren, Kaydence Colter and Trevor Colter-Coville; and step great grandchildren, Manny Snook, and Scarlet Snook. Laverne worked at Tepe's as a sales associate for a good number of years, and in her later years worked for Witmark's working in customer service until she retired. Laverne liked garage sales, word search books, sewing, long walks, and watching old westerns. She spent 22 years as a vendor at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Laverne's guestbook and/or share a memory with her family. The Stafford family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Ln., Portage, MI 49002. (269)344-5600.