of Harrison, AR
June 6, 1937 - September 23, 2012
Former Boone County Judge Ruth LaVerne Grayson died Sunday, September 23, 2012, at the Hospice House in Harrison. LaVerne was born on June 6, 1937, at Seymour, Texas, the daughter of Charles Vincent and Mattie Myrl (Key) Harrell.
Mrs. Grayson was an active member of the First United Methodist Church along with her husband Eddie Joe Grayson who precedes her in death along with her parents. LaVerne had a long list of civic and community activities that she had been involved in through the years in Harrison.
She graduated from Twin Lakes Vo-Tech LPN program in 1967, and was in the first graduating class of the North Arkansas College RN program in 1977. LaVerne later served on the North Arkansas College Board of Trustees for 7 years. Nursing and helping people at the very heart of their needs led her to work at North Arkansas Regional Medical Center from 1967 to 1978. Mrs. Grayson continued on in the health field by serving the local public health units, Arkansas State Employee Assoc Dist. 13 Director; Arkansas Public Health Assoc, 21 year member, Past President, Vice President and American Public Health Rep from Arkansas; Arkansas Hometown Health Improvement Project member for Boone County; and ARC State Service Council Member and Past Chairperson.
LaVerne was active in American Red Cross as Past Chairperson and member for 15 years, Salvation Army, Rotarian, NoArk Girl Scouts nominating committee and of course was Boone County's first female County Judge. Recently Mrs. Grayson had received an award for being in the first class of Harrison's Distinguished Women and had always been a strong supporter of Hospice and the Hospice House. Mrs. Grayson was always willing to work together with people to accomplish goals that needed to be met. LaVerne was always a strong Goblin and Arkansas Razorback fan.
She is survived by four sons, Eddie and wife Vonna Grayson of Bossier, LA; Michael and wife Monty Grayson of Harrison; Mark Grayson of Sheridan, AR; and Dwight and wife Maria Grayson of Conifer, CO. One sister Glenda Nell O'Conner of Grand Isle, NY. Seven grandchildren, Stephanie, Tiffany, Wade, Josh, Isabella, Eric and Gilbert. Four great grandchildren, Cole, Braxton, Issac and Lukas.
Services were Wednesday, September 26, 2012, at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. John Darnall speaking. Burial was in Maple Leaf cemetery following the service. Visitation was Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Eddie Grayson, Michael Grayson, Mark Grayson, Dwight Grayson, Wade Grayson and Josh Grayson.
Memorials may be made to the Hospice House.
Dr. Bill Baker, then President of North Arkansas College, may have summed it up the best when he said, ''LaVerne has been a tremendous leader and supporter for Northark. During her lifetime, she has proven that women can raise a family, attain career goals, and become community leaders. She's a real role model for other women across the state''.
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32 Condolence(s)
Mark Barnes
Thursday, November 1, 2012
It has certainly been an honor to work with LaVerne while she worked with the ADH and also an honor to have known her as a great friend! This is a sad day for me but I'm sure she would want us to celebrate the great life she lived, all of her contributions and to recognize she is now in a better place. My thoughts and prayers to the Grayson family and friends.
Mark Barnes
Margaret E. McFarland
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Before my husband and I moved up here I followed the late Judge Grayson's career in the Harrison Daily Times. I had the pleasure of meeting her in person last year and tried to convince her to run for County Judge again. Her laugh was delightful but she declined. She is fondly remembered out in the County as having taken great care of our rural roads. My sympathies are with her family.
Claudia Richardeson
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Laverne : You were such a great friend through all our years together.I am so sad right now it is hard for me to say anything.I loved you then and I love you now.You were always there for me and I shall never forget you.
Claudia
Natalie Barker Roberts
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
So sorry to hear about your loss - she was a sweet lady and did so much for our community - Dwight - I didn't see this until after the service so didn't get to come by, but have been thinking about you - keep memories close and know that she is in a better place - Love and prayers to you and all your family -
Bobby and Becky Howard
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Just wanted you all to know how much Bobby and I loved running into LaVerne Grayson..... She was bigger then life! One women Bobby and I will never forget.... She will always hold a very special spot in our hearts.... Bobby always loved having her talk to his health classes! Something you could tell she loved to do. She will truly be missed!!!
bill prince
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
my heart is heavy for all of lavernes family please find some peace in her space and much prayer to the ones she left behind may god bless you all.
son fo the late jean wimberly bill prince
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
MAY OURLORD BLESS YOU ALL WE LOVED AND WILL MISS LAVERNE OUR BEST TO TIFFINY BLESS HER HEART OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL
Alan Gibson
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
When I saw the photo here it just said it all. When I first met LaVerne after joining the Red Cross team she was smiling and so welcoming. I do not recall ever being around her when she was not excited and upbeat about all of her many activites and her family. We all learned from her counsel and my heart goes out to her family at this difficult time.
Brian OConnor
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Eddie,Mike,Mark,and Dwight, I don't have to tell you guys that u had a great mom, I'm sorry for your loss.I always thought of her as one of my moms and she will truely be missed. My prayers are with you.
Carolyn Wheatley
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the Grayson family. LaVerne was such a wonderful lady. She will truly be missed.
Dana and Melinda Smalley
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Heather Andersen
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Mike and family,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
David and Heather Keeter Andersen
Vincent Leist
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
On behalf of the North Arkansas Regional Medical Center's Board of Directors, Administrative Team and Staff I extend deepest gratitude and respect for Mrs. Grayson. Her work in the community supporting North Arkansas Regional Medical Center and Hospice of the Hills has left a legacy for future generations.
Aleca Hardman
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
LaVerne was a one of a kind lady and I enjoyed working with her at the Courthouse while she was the acting Boone Count Judge. With deepest sympathy to the family. Thanks for being such an angel Monty.
In God's Love, Aleca
Jeff Martens
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Susan Houston
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
LaVerne was an inspiration to lots of people of Boone County and much loved. You, her family, can take comfort in reading all the praise people had for her. She truly was a great lady. I have known her since she started working at the NARMC and continued thru the years.
Karen Hardesty
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Our deepest sympathy.
Karen Hardesty and the Boone County Assessor's Office
Cynthia H
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
I met LaVerne many years ago and will never forget the kindness she showed to me. Prayers for comfort are with her family today and as you move forward.
Jennifer Prince
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
My heart and prayers go out to the Grayson family at this time of such great loss, you are a truley lovely family.
Jeannie Steen
Monday, September 24, 2012
LaVerne and her smile was an inspiration to all of us. My prayers are with the whole family at this time. God Bless.
Roz Lanier
Monday, September 24, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mother was a very lovely lady!
Nancy Marsh
Monday, September 24, 2012
I am sad to hear this news. LaVerne was a special lady and she accomplished alot of great things in her life. I enjoyed working with her at the ADH and loved her sense of humor.
Nancy
Barbara Smith
Monday, September 24, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during your time of sorrow. May you find peace knowing she is with her lord and in a better place where she is no longer hurting.
Judith Starr
Monday, September 24, 2012
My sincere prayers go to all the family.
Vonda Butler
Monday, September 24, 2012
Mike, Monty, Josh, Wade and all the Grayson family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. LaVerne was a great friend to me and my family. I will miss her smiling face. She was such an inspiration to everyone.
Cathie Bodenhamer
Monday, September 24, 2012
My thoughts and prayers for the Grayson Family. Laverne was a special lady. I am blessed to have known and worked with her for many years.
Donnie and Rose Anne Smith
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Grayson family. Lavern was in a league of her own. She was so kind, thoughtful, a hard worker but knew how to have fun. She will always be a legend
at the Health Dept. Thank you for sharing her with us all these years.
Raymond Heaggans
Sunday, September 23, 2012
I lost a co woker and a dear friend my heart is hurting but know she is in a better place i will miss my friend but will never forget her, my prayers are with her family may you find peace throug Jesus Christ
Rick Johnson
Sunday, September 23, 2012
The HOLT Family
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Mike, Monty and the entire Grayson family, we mourn for your loss and rejoice in her destination and celebrate her life. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with ALL of you! Marvin, Lisa, Matt & Michael
Angie Perry
Sunday, September 23, 2012
May your family find comfort in God's promise in the Holy Scriptures for a future resurrection. Jesus said, " Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out!" Until this promise is fulfilled, may you draw close to God because he cares for you.-John 5:28,29
Tracy Harp-Jones
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Many thoughts & Prayers to the Grayson family. LaVerne was a special Lady that always had a warm smile on her face everytime I saw her. Dwight, love you always & am so sorry for your loss!