LaVerne Shelton

In Loving Memory of Deaconess LaVerne Shelton On Monday morning, April 20, 2015, Deaconess LaVerne Shelton departed this earthly life and went home to be with her Heavenly Father for all eternity. She was born on May 4, 1938 in Richmond, Virginia to the late Willie T. and Robinette C. Coleman. At an early age LaVerne received the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior, was baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and became an active member of the Fifth Street Baptist Church family during the pastorate of the late Dr. C.C. Scott. As a part of that church family, she served as a member of the Tabernacle Choir, a church school teacher, an usher, and a member of the Federated Missionary Organization. When the Holy Spirit moved upon Pastor Roscoe D. Cooper, Jr. to organize the body of Christ known as the Metropolitan African American Baptist Church family, LaVerne was one of the founding members. She continued her walk with the Lord with great earnestness and devotion. She was ordained a deaconess and served as the first female and second Pastoral Leader of the Diaconate Ministry. She was dedicated to the study of God’s Word and prayer. She served as the teacher of the LaVerne Shelton Covenant Discipleship Ministry Group and was a part of the “Let’s Talk” Group, which meets weekly for testimony, Bible study and prayer. She enjoyed being with her church family.She was a member and served as the Pastoral Leader of the Christian Women with a Vision, a group organizes and engages in various fellowship activities. She was a product of the Richmond Public Schools. She became a Certified Nursing Assistant and used these skills through her work for the Bon Secours Health System. Her gift of compassion was especially demonstrated when she cared for several members of her family during their time of illness: two aunts, Gladys Wells and Nannie Bentley; one uncle, Thaddeus Crittenton, and husband, Norman. LaVerne was preceded in death by her husband, Norman, son, Gregory,parents,Willie and Robinette Coleman,and sister,Carolyn Brown. She leaves to cherish her memory; one daughter, Diane Williams (Jerald,Sr.);two sons, David Gardner and Michael Gardner (Sandra),one sister,Barbara Perez(Anthony);two brothers.Willie and Ronald Coleman,numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren;cousins;a host of devoted neighbors and friends.

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LaVerne Shelton

May 4, 1938 - April 20, 2015