Graveside services for Mrs. Laverne Smith Lea will be 11 a.m., Friday, October 16, 2020, at Riverwood Memorial Park.

Mrs. Lea, of Brookhaven, passed from this life October 13, 2020. Her life journey began October 11, 1924, being born to J. Arthur “Geems” Smith and Dicey Arcola Johnston Smith. Her family celebrated her Sunday, on her 96^th birthday. Mrs. Lea graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi and began a teaching career. She was in the Lincoln County School District for 30-plus years until retirement. Mrs. Laverne enjoyed flower gardening as well as sewing and quilting. She wasn’t afraid to try new things, she also worked with ceramics and was well acquainted with the art of cooking. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Brookhaven and was a faithful loving servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Coleman Lea; parents; one brother; five sisters; and son-in-law, Guy Hitt.

Those who are left behind to cherish her memory are, her children, Pam Hitt, Terry Lea and wife Amy, and Tim Lea; sisters, Evelyn Smith and Johnnie Jackson; six grandchildren, Jessica Bullock and husband Nathan, Tiffany Malpass, Katie Lea Adam Lea, Matthew Lea and Wade Lea; along with four great-grandchildren, Kaleb Bullock, Noah Lea, Cole Bullock and Max Malpass. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

The family would like to thank Mrs. Lea’s personal caregivers, Rita Wilson and Joyce Wright.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Baptist Children’s Village 114 Marketridge Drive, Ridgeland, MS 39157.

Condolences and other information are available online at www.riverwoodfamily.com.