A. Laverne Howard (nee) Ford passed away at her home surrounded by loved ones on May 26, 2015.

Laverne was born April 4, 1943 in Blytheville, Arkansas. She retired as Senior Vice President of Operations from Bank of America in 1998 after 37 years. She also served on the Board of Directors of the Women’s Self Help Center.

Before her health failed her, Laverne enjoyed many activities including reading, fishing, traveling, and playing the slot machines at the casinos here and in Vegas. But what she enjoyed most were her family and close friends. They will remember her as a kind, thoughtful, caring and funny person. She was loved much and will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Luther Melvin Ford Sr. and Alice Ruby Ford (nee Kinnision).

Surviving are her brother, Luther (Sharon) Melvin Ford Jr.; sister, Stella (Jack Willet) Roberta McClure (nee Ford); nieces, Julie (Bill) Briddell (nee Ford), Laura (Russ) Elton (nee Ford), and Kelly (Gary) Schwenk (nee Chall); nephew, Justin (Amy) Chall; many great-nieces and -nephews; and dear friends.

Memorial service will be private.

Because of her passion to end Alzheimer’s, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in her name at www.alz.org/stl
or by calling 800-272-3900.