Laverne Ledet Reed passed away at home on June 14, 2024, at the age of 62. Laverne will be remembered most for the incredible love she had for her children, Erin and Ben Reed, and the way all who heard her beautiful singing could not help but feel moved.
Laverne was born in Elwood, Indiana. During her childhood, she moved to Mississippi, where she survived Hurricane Camille only a few hundred feet from the coastline. Following her time in Mississippi, her family took residence in Louisiana, where she helped her mom in her store, Ledet’s Sav-On, in Larose.
She went to Memphis, Tennessee for a few years to record gospel music with soul and a touch of funk rock. Eventually, she returned to Louisiana, where she had two children who became her pride and joy.
She supported them first through a funnel cake stand that became a staple for shipyard workers at Edison Chouest Offshore. Later, she got a job with the company herself as a recruiter, where she worked until her retirement this year.
Many will remember her for her voice, which was often heard at Community Bible Church, where she regularly sang and brought people to tears. Her children certainly always will, as she used that same voice to create wonderful songs about Jesus, her family, and the trials and tribulations of life while spending time alone with them.
Laverne loved to travel. She would take her children on long drives just to see something new, such as the time she took her children up the Natchez Trace to see Emerald Mound, a beautiful structure built by indigenous people long ago. On these trips, the family would try to count every deer they saw along the way. Though Laverne did not get to travel as much later in life, her children would share stories and pictures of every adventure they went on, much to her joy.
Laverne is survived by her children, Erin and Ben Reed; her mother, Judy Ledet; and her sister, Kelly. Laverne has three grandchildren: Andy Reed, Micah Reed, and Emma Katie Reed. She was preceded in death by her father, Roland Ledet, and her sister, Christina Ledet.
Per Laverne’s request, there was no service held. Instead, she was interred by her children in a small graveside gathering at Community Bible Church Mausoleum, where they paid their last respects to her loving memory.
Laverne will be dearly missed, but will be carried forward in life by all who she touched.