Obituary

LaVerne Spencer McElwee, of Chesterfield, Virginia passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on Friday, February 9, 2024, after a long, difficult journey with dementia. She was born on November 26, 1940, to the late Irma Brown Spencer and Winfred Watkins Spencer. LaVerne entered the world quickly followed by her twin sister, LaDelle. The twins remained inseparable; best friends, confidants, and two halves of the same heart.

Laverne was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Woodrow McElwee and her son, Spencer Thomas McElwee. She is survived by her daughter, Elizebeth M. Holmes (Mark); grandchildren, Caleb Holmes, Cameron Holmes and Collin Holmes; and her twin sister, LaDelle S. Hobson.

LaVerne was filled with unwavering faith, resilience, and a deep desire to live life to the fullest. She was a faithful employee of McGuire Veterans Hospital for over 40 years before retirement. She used her artistic talents to create beautiful arrangements and wreaths for her beloved church, friends, and family. She had an undisputable love for her family. She considered herself to be the luckiest woman in the world to have found the love of her life, Tom. Her children, and grandchildren, were the lights of her life and her greatest joys. She touched the hearts of so many with an overflowing amount of love and selflessness. Her touch was felt by many, and loss will be felt by many more.

Mom, we love you, miss you, and will cherish your memories.

LaVerne’s Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Monday, February 19, at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 4400 Beulah Rd., N. Chesterfield, VA 23237.