LaVerne Helsel Markham, 73, of Lynchburg, passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at Lynchburg General Hospital. Born in Lynchburg, June 25, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Samuel Helsel and Thelma Johnson Helsel.

She spent her youth roller-skating (and skipping school), but when she decided to get her GED at 24, she traded in her wild streak to help others. Her entire career was dedicated to adult education and helping others finish school. Sweet, sassy and generous, LaVerne was gifted in that she could see people's true essence, and she helped them bring out the best in themselves. It's safe to say that many of the days of her life, she laughed...and she made others laugh, too.

LaVerne never met a stranger, and had friends everywhere she went. She talked to everyone and believed in friendships for life, as evidenced by her long-term best friendship with Sam Gowen, who also happened to be her ex-husband. She loved her grandsons like crazy, and treated the people she loved like family.

Her family and friends remember her as passionate, strong-willed and loving. Her wit and kindness will be missed by everyone who knew her.

She is survived by her daughter, Amy Markham and son-in-law Travis Boozer of Collierville, TN; two grandchildren, Oliver Markham and Henry Markham and her cousin, Kathleen Byrd and family.

A celebration of life will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, January 25, 2020 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel.

The family will host this reception and receive friends until 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the American Lung Association, www.lung.org.