Laverne Grant-Smith

LaVerne Grant-Smith, age 55, went to be with the Lord on September 3, 2013. LaVerne was born in Frankfurt, Germany, on May 14, 1958 to Robert Grant Sr. and Helga (Bischinger) Grant. She was a life-long resident of Junction City, KS where she graduated from Junction City High School in 1976. She earned Bachelor's degrees in Family Studies and in Social Work from Kansas State University and later earned a Master's degree in Social Work from Washburn University. She was an integral part of developing the New Directions Residential Center's program and also worked in private counseling practice. LaVerne labored in love at the Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Riley where she was the supervisor of the social work department until her death.
LaVerne was a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., for 16 years. As a faithful servant of the Lord, LaVerne was a founding member of the New Church of the Living God where she served as secretary of the Board of Trustees.
LaVerne joined Barry Richard Smith in marriage on August 11, 1997 in Junction City, KS. Together they shared 16 years of loving marriage.
LaVerne leaves to mourn a close and loving family. She has two daughters, Summer Arionne Bennett (Chad) of Junction City, Autumn Joy Fort of Junction City. Two sons, Jordan Mika Smith of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii and Jarrod Mikal Smith, of Junction City. Four grandchildren: Keyshawn Thomas Demetrius Bentley, Noah Chad Bennett, Gabriel Luka Santos Bennett, and Jordan Mika Smith, Jr., all of Junction City.
LaVerne leaves behind three siblings, Linda Rodgers (George III) of Waldorf, MD, Robert Grant Jr. of Springfield, MA, and Lorraine Hammond (Tim) of Junction City, as well as brothers and sisters in law David B. Smith and Daria S. Wright-Davis (Bernard) all of Charleston, SC and Robert Gathers of Brox, NY. LaVerne leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews.
LaVerne was preceded in death by her parents, mother and father in-law Loretta Smith and Louis Smith and brother in law, Gary L. Smith.
The viewing service will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at Penwell-Gabel Mass-Hinitt Chapel, 805 Caroline Avenue in Junction City from 6:00-8:00pm. The home-going service will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at New Church of the Living God, 1315 Ash St in Junction City at 10:00am. The family welcomes visitors to the memorial viewing and home-going service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Relay for Life or the American Heart Association. Contributions may be left in care of Penwell-Gabel Mass-Hinitt Chapel.
To leave, an online condolence, please visit www.penwellgabeljunctioncity.com.