Laverne Denise Weal, 46

BRIDGEVILLE - Laverne Denise Weal departed this life Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2007, at the South Walnut Group Home, Milford, where she resided. She was 46.

She was born Nov. 20, 1960, to the late Albert and Ethel Weal.

Vern, as she was affectionately called, did her years of schooling at the Woodbridge School District, then being transferred to the Katie L. Handy School in the Seaford School District, and finally to Howard T. Ennis School in Georgetown, where she graduated in 1981 under the administration of Mr. James Evans Sr.

After graduation, Vern had the opportunity to be gainfully employed on several occasions to include Our Place Restaurant in Millsboro, Millsboro Nursing Home, Townsend Poultry Plant in Millsboro, Hardee's in Seaford and finally at Kent Sussex Industries in Milford. Thank God for Mr. Dave Raymond who started Laverne in the right direction.

Laverne loved spending time the family and friends. She also loved spending time with Will Bill Pinder.

Her church family meant a lot to her. She wanted to go to church even when she was sick. God gave her added strength during her illness. Vern would often mention her church family when she wasn't able to go to church. She enjoyed church barbecues, singing in the choir, praising the Lord while running around the church and creative movement.

Laverne accepted the Lord as her personal savior under the leadership of the Rev. Charles C. Shields, the Rev. Charles W. Smith Sr. and Pastor Charles W. Smith Jr., respectively.

Her favorite scripture was Psalm 34:8, "Oh taste and see that the Lord is Good; blessed is the man trusteth in Him."

Her favorite song was "Let It Rain," by Bishop Paul Morton. Bishop Morton agreed to come and sing for Laverne but God decided that it was time for her to sing a song that the angels can't sing, "I've Been Redeemed, I've Been Washed In The Blood Of The Lamb."

Her parents would have been proud to see what levels of comprehension Laverne was able to achieve. She has been on cruises, vacations, trips, family reunions and much more.

Memories of Laverne will be cherished by eight brothers, Wardel Weal of Fort Myers, Fla., Albert S. Weal Jr. (Linda) of Chespeake, Va., Timothy Weal (Gail) of Concord, James Weal (Gwendolyn) of East New Market, Md., Henry Teagle Sr. (Shirley) of McAllen, Texas, Robert Teagle (Yvonne) of Rochester, N.Y., John Teagle Sr. (Carol) of Bridgeville and Kevin D. Teagle Sr. (Yvette) of Queens, N.Y.; three sisters, Mary Jane Brummell of Bridgeville, Joyce Barnes (Robert) of Chesapeake and Alberta Smith (Charles) of Bridgeville; five cousins that were raised as sisters, Georgia Wright (Willie) of Wilmington, Lucille Cannon (Dave) of Norfolk, Va., Ida Mae Parker (Samuel) of Milford, Loretta Teagle of Hurlock, Md., and Lillie Williams of Milford; 38 nieces and nephews; 29 grandnieces and grandnephews; and a host of other cousins, relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents, Ida and Major Weal and Hattie and Willie Teagle; and three nephews, Charles E. "Blue Jay" Smith Jr., David Brummell Sr. and Carlus Brummell.

A viewing will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Williams Chapel Church, 501 N. Cannon St., Bridgeville.

Funeral services will be noon Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007 at at the church, where friends may also call two hours prior to the service.

Interment will be in the Middleford Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Seaford.