LaVerne (Gibson) Walker

LaVerne Gibson Walker, age 82 of Forest City died Saturday, November 18, 2023, at her home surrounded by family.  She was born in Rutherford County on December 16, 1940, and was a daughter of the late James William Gibson and Beeda Beheler Gibson.  LaVerne was a graduate of Tri-High School where she was crowned Homecoming Queen and also attended Gardner-Webb College.

In 1963, she married Tom Walker and began life as an Air Force wife, living throughout the United States and Europe, raising two children along the way.  She was always involved in her children’s activities as well as supporting her husband's military career.  She enjoyed planning events and supporting the Officers Wives Club.

After Tom retired from military service, they returned to Forest City where she became involved in the community.  She was active in the First United Methodist Church of Forest City where she was a member of the Asbury Sunday School Class, assisting with the weekly church meals, Vacation Bible School and coordinating church mission trips for the seniors.  She was a member of the Pilot Club of Rutherford County, ECA, and a mentor for Rutherford County Schools at Harris Elementary.  In 2009, she and Tom were named Citizens of the Year for their community involvement. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Dennis Gibson, and a grandson, Greg Vanecek.

Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Lt. Col. Thomas N. Walker of the home, her son, James Gregory Walker and wife Rosie of Seguin, Texas, her daughter, Wendy Walker Vanecek and husband Jim of Forest City, her brothers, Darrell Gibson of Rutherfordton, Dwayne Gibson of Henrietta, and her grandchildren, Andy Walker, Charlie Walker, Alex Vanecek, and Leah Foster.

The Memorial Service will be held at 2 o’clock on Friday, December 1, 2023, in the First United Methodist Church of Forest City, officiated by the Reverend Curtis Goforth and Reverend Gene Feagin.  The family will receive friends following the service at a reception to be held in the church Fellowship Hall. Committal will be private for the family.

The family respectfully request that memorials in her memory be made to the First United Methodist Church, 341 East Main Street, Forest City, North Carolina 28043.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.