Laverne Webb

LaVerne (May) Webb of Uvalde, Texas, passed away Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at the age of 95.

LaVerne was preceded in death by her husband, James Webb; and two sisters.

She is survived by three daughters, Jane, Diane and Sara; one sister, Faye Whiteley; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one niece; two nephews; and many, many friends.

LaVerne was born September 3, 1926 on a farm in Berclair and later attended and graduated from Southwest Texas State Teacher’s College (now Texas State University) in August of 1945, with a double major in chemistry and education. Her teaching career began September 3, 1945, at the age of 19. While teaching chemistry at Lytle High School, several of her students were older than she. Her career continued at Kingsville High School and she also worked outside of education as a chemist for Celanese Chemical Plant for several years.

LaVerne married educator James Webb in 1949 and returned to education in 1950 as a fifth-grade teacher in Brownsville. Their move to Sinton in 1953 afforded her the opportunity to serve as a sixth-grade teacher and eventually Sinton High School librarian from 1955-1983. While in Sinton, she and her husband raised three daughters. In education for over 35 years, LaVerne retired in 1983. LaVerne moved to Beeville in 1985 and to Uvalde in 2001. She was an active member of First Baptist Church in Uvalde and involved in various community activities. LaVerne had a gentle personality and congenial smile radiating in all her friendships.

Some of the joys about this incredibly brilliant and charming Christian lady are her unique hobbies. After a full day of teaching, characteristic of Annie Oakley, she would drive to the Berclair farm with her .243 rifle, kill, skin, process a deer and bring it home ready to eat. Not only was LaVerne known for her sharp bridge skills, but on her mother/daughter fishing trips to Rockport, she usually caught the first fish and traditionally the largest catch of the day.

Because LaVerne grew up on the family farm, cattle ranching was always part of her life. Under her father’s counsel, her love of the business flourished. She and her husband operated the centennial cattle operation from 1962 until she moved to Uvalde.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, October 22, at Beeville Memorial Park with Rev. Eugene Davis officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace House in San Antonio https://gracehousesa.org or South Texas Children’s Home, https://www.stchm.org

LaVerne will continue to be loved and missed by all.