LaVerne Marie Milner
Jan. 12, 1922 – May 5, 2020
LaVerne Marie Milner, 98, of Richmond, VA, formerly of Irwin, PA, peacefully transitioned to Heaven on Tuesday, May 5, 2020. She was born January 12, 1922 to Arthur and Bessie McWilliams in Turtle Creek, PA. She was predeceased by her parents and step-mother, Olive McWilliams; her husband of 54 years, Edward Milner; her brothers, Harold, Virgil, James, and Arthur McWilliams; and son-in-law, Thomas Smetanick. She is survived by her daughters, Janice Smetanick (Frederick, MD) and Joyce Painter and husband Terry (Richmond, VA). She dearly loved her grandchildren, Jennifer Cebrat, Lori Pica (Taj), Matthew Smetanick (Mollie), Carey Beth McMahan (Matthew), Jill O’Rourke (Sean) and Michael Painter; and 11 great-grandchildren.
After completing high school in Wilmerding, PA, LaVerne was employed as a secretary by Air Brake in their general office. Later in life, she volunteered at Greensburg Hospital taking newborn baby pictures and was then employed as a salesclerk in the gift shop.
LaVerne was a loving mother and wonderful caregiver to family, friends, and neighbors. She greatly valued family time whether it was welcoming them to her home in Irwin, PA, taking yearly beach trips to the Outer Banks, or celebrating special events such as birthdays and weddings. LaVerne was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church of Irwin and was guided by her faith to care for others.
Her family would like to thank the memory care staff at The Crossings at Bon Air for their excellent care and kindness during her seven-year residency. A memorial service will be held in Richmond, VA at a later date followed by a burial in Churchill Cemetery, Turtle Creek, PA.
Dear Joyce and Terry, I was so saddened to see your mother passed away. She sat across from my mother-in-law, Miriam, at the Crossings before Miriam passed away in November. I can only imagine how difficult these past 2 months have been for you. Take good care,
Celeste