JACKSONVILLE  -  Laverne Morton Thomas, born October 21,1932, joined her Savior on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville Chapel.

Laverne was born in Onslow County, North Carolina to the late Navi and Rosa Morton. Laverne was a living example of excellence who showed her family what is possible with brains, love, and hard work. Laverne first set the bar as valedictorian of White Oak High School in 1951. Determined, strong, and self-motivated, Laverne established herself as a pillar of the Jacksonville community through her successful small businesses. Laverne built several businesses from the ground up, including Laverne's Hallmark and Dairy Queen, which has been thriving for over thirty years. Likewise, Laverne was the pillar of her family. She knew how to work and was a wellspring of joy for her loved ones, especially for her children who adore her. Laverne was an unquestionable beauty with a sharp wit and even sharper business acumen. She inspired more people than she ever knew and is a role model for her children and grandchildren. Laverne's family and friends will sorely miss her. She brought a truly rare combination of gifts to share with this world, and her absence is keenly felt.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Cecil and Walter Morton; her sister, Gloria Ireland; her son, Charles Morton Thomas; and, son-in-law, Johnny Ray Cooke.

Survivors include her son, Randy Thomas; and her daughter, Denise Cooke; daughter-in-law, Marie Thomas; the love of her life, William Randolph Thomas, Sr.; grandchildren, Bethany Thomas Kibler (Tim), Drew Thomas (Maura), Anna  Thomas (Jordan), Amber Kay Simmons (Dan), Matthew Little (Lane), Jonathan Cooke (Amber), and Rebekah Cooke (Jeremy), Great-grandchildren Abby Gerlits, Bailey Simmons and Avery Platt; her beloved sister, Donniere Mills (Billy); nephews, Don Mills (Frances), Bob Mills, Tony Morton (Carol), Wayne Morton (Lynda), and Jay Morton (Beverly); nieces Debbie Cannon (Roger), Lisa Ireland Hill (Bobby), Linda Sue Touhey (Bob), Kathy Mills Brown, Lynn Mills, and Jan Morton (Rick Shell); and many more beloved great-nieces, great-nephews, as well as other extended family.

The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6 - 8 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Servant's Tabernacle Ministries, 289 South Blizzardtown Road, Beulaville, NC 28518.

**There will be a time given on Thursday, during the service, for you to share special thoughts or memories of Laverne.  Please consider adding to her celebration by sharing with us.