On February 23, 2016 Laverne Thompson defeated the enemy and her battle with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Hallelujah she is walking, talking, singing and praising with our Lord now. Her strong will to live, the love and support of her family and her faith in God carried her through two years of grueling physical change and loss. Yet even throughout her battle with ALS, she continued to participate in the life she loved; celebrating birthdays and holidays, 4th of July fireworks, holiday parades, football games, NASCAR and family.
Ada Laverne Bennett was born October 6, 1944, to I.V. (Red) Bennett and Leila Bennett in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Almost immediately she was given a new name, Sissy to the immediate family, and Laverne for friends and others. She is survived by her husband, Clyde Thompson; daughters, Kim Kennedy and Leslie Thompson of Texas; brother, H.B. Bennett and sister, Shirley Ray both of Louisiana. Sissy was preceded in death by her brother, Bobby Wayne Bennett.
After graduating from West Monroe High School, Laverne married Clyde Thompson on June 30, 1962, in Jackson, Mississippi. Laverne worked as a mother and bookkeeper in Jackson for 8 years before moving back to Monroe, LA. After returning to Louisiana, Laverne continued her work as a bookkeeper and office manager before retiring to co-own CT Trucking with her husband Clyde.
On March 29, 1987 she took on her favorite name; NANA. She is survived by her grandsons, Christopher Kennedy and Matthew Kennedy of Allen, TX. Being Nana was her most cherished role. Christopher and Matthew were like her own personal sunshine; she couldn’t wait for them to get up in the morning, and she loved tucking them in at night. Summers were usually spent with Nana, and Pop (aka Clyde) either at their home in Monroe, or on one of the CT Trucking trucks. The boys loved seeing the country from the front seat of an 18 wheeler with their grandparents; Nana making sure they stopped at all the best spots along the way. Nana was also present for soccer, baseball, football, track & field, banquets, parties, graduation and vehicles. Most of all, Nana was present for hugs, kisses and endless love. Even now, we know she is in the throne room every day talking to our Lord about her grandbabies!
September 15, 2015 was a day like no other; it was the day Laverne, Mom, Nana, Sissy, was officially diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Three letters that would forever alter our lives. Yet Mom-Nana-Laverne-Sissy sat there unmoved, with a strong and faithful smile; she said she knew her God was in control, and He had a plan and a purpose for her and this ALS. Isaiah 41:10 ‘Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’
Please join the family on Saturday, March 5th for a Celebration of Life at the Hilton Garden Inn (400 Mane Street, West Monroe, LA 71291), Magnolia Room, from 10:00am until 5:00pm. An urn with her earthly remains will be present; accompanied by many precious photos and memories that reflect her LIFE. The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support from too many people to name individually; but please know that we appreciate each and every one of you.
Memorial donations may be made to ALS: http://www.alsa.org/donate/