LaVerne Gwendolyn (Johnson) Yates, 84 of La Plata, Maryland.

LaVerne Gwendolyn (Johnson) Yates, daughter of the late Lucille and McAllister Johnson, passed away peacefully at her home in LaPlata, MD, on Thursday, August 18, 2016, after a short illness.

LaVerne was an awesome, extraordinary woman, affectionately called "Gandy" by her family. She was admired by all and had an endless amount of love, which she shared with whomever she met. LaVerne spent her entire life serving others and never expected anything in return. In addition to her children, she raised several of her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; opening her home to family and their friends, who never wanted to leave. She became the matriarch of the neighborhood, driving friends to and from the store or medical appointments; babysitting their children; and offering listening ears and moral support. She was everyone's confidant. LaVerne also spent time visiting and helping the elderly and shut-in. Many have stated "they don't know what they are going to do and who they are going to turn to now that Gandy is no longer with us." Neither do we!

She was a devoted and active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Her faith was very important to her. Until she was unable to do so, LaVerne attended Saturday evening services, oftentimes leading the congregation in reciting the Rosary, which she recited regularly.

She was an excellent cook and was often called upon to share a recipe or that special ingredient to make your food taste like hers. Family members looked forward to holiday meals and would often express their favorite dish in hopes that it would be on her menu. LaVerne was famous for baking the best pound cake ever, and she often baked one for her children's and grandchildren's birthday.

LaVerne's smile and laugh were infectious. She had a great sense of humor and could oftentimes catch the punchline of a joke before others. She was an avid card player (her favorite games were Spades and Will You Pitch) and enjoyed gathering around the kitchen table on the weekend playing cards and exchanging hearty conversations with family and friends. She loved working crossword and find-the-difference puzzles; watching soap operas–you knew not to call her between 12:30 pm-2:00 pm because she would be watching The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful; and, listening to music – she was a very graceful hand dancer. You could seldom walk into the house and not hear the radio playing.

However, LaVerne's favorite pastime of all was spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. At family gatherings, she was often seen perusing the room smiling, admiring the love and closeness of her family, who were the loves of her life.

On April 18, 1948, LaVerne was joined in matrimony to the late Joseph Earl Yates, Sr. They were blessed with ten children: Patricia Wills, Joseph Jr.(Cynthia), Steve (Elaine), Carolyn Adams, Joan, Gilbert (Ernestine), Alvin (Cathy), Rodney, Cyril (Janette), Sheila Makle, and Gilbert Bivins (Brenda). In addition to her children, she will be cherished by Grandchildren: Shonda, Tony, Kim, Apryl, Deborah, June, Katina, Anjuan, Derrick, Angel, Eric, Kesha, Jerril, Shenek, Nicole, Jamaar, Jomeka, Tierra, and Janae; 20 Great Grandchildren; 5 Great Great Grandchildren, and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews; Sisters-in-Law Dorothy Johnson, Helen Jackson, Bertha Chisley, Omia Chisley, Jeanette Cooper; and, Brothers-in-Law Allen Yates and John Hill.

She was the last surviving member of her family. In addition to her parents and husband, LaVerne was preceded in death by Sisters, Wahseeola Neale, Mary Ann Mason, and Margaret Jane Hill, and Brothers, Charles, Roscoe and Robert Johnson, and Goldsboro Jackson.

Viewing, 10:30am until 12:15pm; Mass of Christian Burial, 12:30pm, Saturday, August 27, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 201 St. Mary's Avenue, La Plata, Maryland. Interment, Church Cemetery.