LaVerne Auman Williams

Mrs. Virginia LaVerne Auman Williams, of Asheboro, passed on Tuesday, July 31, 2012, at her home, after fighting a courageous battle with brain cancer. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. LaVerne was born in Randolph County to Edward Auman and Virginia Davis Auman, who preceded her in death. She graduated from Seagrove High School and Brian Business College. LaVerne was hired as the first district secretary authorized for Randolph County's N.C. Highway Patrol office. She retired after 41 years of loyal service. She felt fortunate to cross paths with many troopers who served our state. Having a servant's heart, LaVerne was always active in her community. During her son's younger years, she served as a Little League baseball coach, Cub Scout Den Leader, 4-H Leader, a past President of the Seagrove School Advisory Council, and on various committees in the schools. She was a past member of the Board of Directors and volunteer with the Seagrove Volunteer Fire Department. Other past service included the American Red Cross, Ash-Rand Rescue Squad, Girl Scouts, Council on Aging, Department of Social Services, Mental Health Association, Randolph Hospital, Seagrove Public Library and the N.C. Zoo. She also served as a past member of the Advisory Board for the State Employees' Credit Union and an officer of the N.C. State Employees Association. One of her proudest accomplishments was being elected to the Randolph County Board of Education for 20 consecutive years, serving as Chair for 9 years. She often was the top vote-getter in the countywide race. New Hope United Methodist Church was a major interest of hers throughout her many years of membership. She served as Treasurer for numerous years, was a Youth Counselor, past member of the Administrative Board, past Sunday School teacher, and past President of the women's group, the Willing Workers. For her many years of service, LaVerne received numerous awards. In 1988, she was honored as the Randolph County Outstanding Volunteer of the Year. Later in 1988, she received the Governor's Award from Governor James G. Martin for distinguished volunteer service. Upon her retirement from the N.C. Highway Patrol in 2009, she received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from Governor Beverly Perdue. This award was in recognition of her 41 years of service to the state of North Carolina. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Bobby Williams, and a son, Dr. Brandon Williams and his wife, Dr. Amy Williams of Asheboro. In March, she became a proud grandmother for the first time to Anna Virginia Williams, the joy of her life. She is also survived by her sister, Louise Hancock, and three brothers, Harold Auman and wife Sammye, Eugene Auman and wife Cleo, and Danny Auman and wife Debbie, all of Asheboro. She was always proud of her nieces and nephews, Aaron Hancock, Daniel Auman, Stacey Auman, Angela Myers and Tyler, Rhonda Auman, Jeff Auman, and Heidi Auman. Funeral services will be held at New Hope United Methodist Church of Seagrove at 11:00am on Saturday, August 4, 2012 with the Rev. Clay Showalter and Dr. Bob Shackleford officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday night, August 3, 2012 from 6-8pm at Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro, and other times at the home of her son at 476 Walnut Drive, Asheboro. As a tribute to LaVerne's love of education, a memorial fund, the LaVerne Williams Educational Foundation, has been established to further advance the education of students in Randolph County. Memorials may be made at any CommunityOne Bank branch location or mailed to CommunityOne Bank, PO Box 1328, Asheboro, NC 27204 in the name of The Laverne Williams Educational Foundation. Well done, good and faithful servant.