LaVerne E. (Black) Kline (84) of Long Beach, CA

LaVerne E. (Black) Kline, 84, of Long Beach, California passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at her home at Vernon Cottage.

Born December 26, 1935 in Cowden, Illinois, she was the youngest daughter of Arthur Orlando and Onia Mae (Wallace) Black. A graduate of Cowden High School, LaVerne worked for the Federal government for over 20 years, finishing her career as the Head of Payroll at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard. She loved the Dodgers, playing BINGO, and hitting the slots with her sisters in Laughlin, Nevada, singing and harmonizing on their road trips. Family was always a priority for her. A heart devoted first to her children and then to her grandchildren. She often remarked, “If I had known how wonderful grandchildren were, I would have had them first.” From blanket forts in the living room, playing Bump on her mother’s homemade board, to swing sets and slides into wading pools in the back yard, Grandma K’s home was the place to be. LaVerne leaves many who will cherish the memory of her warmth, generosity, and big laugh. If overheard in a crowded movie theater, you’d be certain to claim, “LaVerne must be here!”

She is survived by her son, Tim Alan Liszt of Portland, Oregon; daughter, Tammy Jo (Michael) Connors of Cypress, California; grandchildren: Jessica Lynn (Alexander) Randolph and Joshua Michael (Alessandra) Connors, both of Seattle, Washington; sisters: Lillie Gregg and Joanna Petty, and wonderful nieces and nephews too numerous to name.

Preceding her in death were half-siblings: Paul, Luther, Mabel and Dorothy Black, and Carney Hogan; brothers: Leslie, Delbert, Thomas, and George Black and sisters: Nadean Gambrel and Leah Reynolds.

LaVerne’s life will be celebrated with a family gathering and burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, near Cowden, Illinois at a date to be determined. As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to T1International USA (Insulin4all) founded by her great niece Elizabeth Pfiester at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/laverne-kline. LockartGreen Funeral Home in Cowden, Illinois is assisting the family. LaVerne’s family invites you to share a memory by clicking here.