Laverne Rose Marr's Obituary
Laverne was born in her paternal grandmother’s home in Palestine, Texas to Minnie Belle and George William Rose. Her childhood nickname was Sugar Rose. Although she grew up as an only child on a farm, she developed many friendships during long bus rides to and from school. After graduating from Marshall High School during the Great Depression, she moved in with an aunt’s family to attend business school in Dallas. During this time, she joined Oak Lawn Methodist Church and formed many long-lasting friendships, including one with her future husband.
Laverne married Davis Wynnell Marr in 1944 and traveled with him to several army bases during World War II. After Wynnell was sent to Alaska, “Sug” moved back to her parents ’home and gave birth to a son. With the help of her parents and extended Harkins family, she earned a B.S. in History from East Texas Baptist College. After Wynnell returned from overseas duty, the couple settled in Dallas, started their careers, renewed their commitments to Oak Lawn Methodist Church, and had a daughter.
Laverne’s experiences as a social worker with poor families across Dallas convinced her that education for young parents was one of the keys to breaking the cycle of poverty. After several years with State Welfare, Laverne accepted a position with Dallas Independent School District. During the first few summer breaks, she earned a M.A. in School Counseling from North Texas State University. Over the next 25 years, she helped establish programs to address adult illiteracy, child abuse, and certification for parent ombudsmen. After Laverne retired from Dallas ISD in 1981 as Director of Home-School Coordinators, she served on the boards of several organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children. In 1999, Laverne served as Chair of the Administrative Board at Oak Lawn United Methodist Church.
During their 59-year marriage, Laverne and Wynnell hosted many parties for family and friends in their home. Following Wynnell’s death in 2003, Laverne moved to a retirement community. She enjoyed the mix of old and new friends and appreciated their support as President of the Resident Forum.
Laverne was a lifelong learner and traveler. Whether sneaking into the Carnegie Library at Wiley College as a teenager, lobbying legislators in Austin for Dallas ISD, or traveling abroad, she appreciated people with diverse backgrounds. As her heart condition limited her ability to travel, she made the most of opportunities to meet caregivers with different backgrounds and learn their stories. As the pandemic isolated Laverne from her biological family and life-long friends, she considered these caregivers to be her adopted daughters.
Laverne is survived by two children, two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a host of friends. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her memory to Oak Lawn United Methodist Church, KERA – Public Broadcasting Service and National Public Radio, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, or your favorite charity.
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