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Columbus Laverne Roberts, 98, went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, March 3, 2024 at Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, MS. He was born Sunday, October 25, 1925 in Mt. Olive, Mississippi to Roscoe and Annie Jane Box Roberts. After his loyal service in the United States Navy during WWII, Laverne returned home to Mt. Olive married his WWII “pen pal” and sweetheart, Polly June Chain in 1948.
First and foremost, Laverne was a true family man. He was adored by his wife Polly (71 years), and his entire family (including great-grandchildren) who loved spending time with him. He set a wonderful example by his gentle nature, humility, unique sense of humor, integrity, patriotism, compassion, faithfulness and loads of common sense. Laverne enjoyed a long career with State Farm Insurance as an agent for 33 years in Collins MS, where he developed many lifelong friendships with customers and colleagues. He was actively involved in his community and church and served as Deacon at Mt. Olive Presbyterian Church. After retirement, Laverne and Polly moved to Brandon, Mississippi where they enjoyed gardening, antiquing, travel, and attending Brandon Presbyterian Church. For the last several years, Laverne has lived independently at The Waterford in Ridgeland, MS. While residing there, he gained a renewed interest in art, painting routinely, most often inspired by memories and landscapes. Many of his fellow Waterford residents have shared how quickly they came to love Laverne and appreciate his conversation, intelligence, humor and hospitality. He never lost the sparkle in his eye when he talked about his wife Polly and has been showing her beautiful photo to others since he put it in his wallet during WWII.
Laverne was preceded in death by his loving wife Polly; parents, Roscoe and Annie Jane Roberts; brother, Preston Roberts; sisters, Lois Stoufer and Hazel Carlisle.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 10:00 A.M. until 11:30 A.M. at Mt. Olive Presbyterian Church with funeral services following at 11:30. Burial will follow at McNair Cemetery in Mt. Olive, Mississippi. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Magee is in charge of arrangements. 601-849-5031
Survivors include his children, Terry Roberts (Mary), Marilyn Bookout (Rod), David Roberts (Sue), and Mary Ann Simpkins (Monty); grandchildren, Brian Dossett (Angela), Annie Gundy (Paul), Sarah Skidmore(Josh), Rachel Roberts, David Adams Roberts, Rebekah Warren, Daniel Simpkins (Helen), Mary Lindsey Jackson (Troy) and Mollie Warren (Kit); step-grandchildren, Scott Bookout (Day) and Rhonda Rowles (Jim); great-grandchildren, Jillian and Josiah Skidmore, Averie Jane, Olivia, Andrew and Eli Gundy, Monroe, Mills and Polly Simpkins, Huck, Meadow and Archer Warren, June and Lewis Jackson, and Hayes Warren; step-great-grandchildren, Taylor, Broc and Colton Bookout; sister-in-law, Christine Roberts, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. Pallbearers include grandsons and grandsons-in-law.
The family would like to give thanks to the staff and residents of The Waterford community in Ridgeland, Mississippi for being his “home” and friend group for the last 4 years. Flowers or houseplants may be sent to Mt. Olive Presbyterian Church on Saturday March 9th or donations can be made to French Camp Academy.
An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelmageemendenhall.com
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