Doris “Laverne” Gresham went to be with the Lord on Monday, Feb. 15, 2021 at the age of 84 in Springfield, Ore. Laverne was born on July 3, 1936, in Enochs, Texas. She was the third of four children born to Roy and Ovie (Bates) George.
In high school, Laverne played basketball and was involved with many clubs and activities. She was voted most popular in her graduating class. Laverne married Young Gresham Jr. (Jay) and together they had seven children. The family moved many places as their children grew up including Florida, California, Egypt, Lebanon Norway, Peru and Colombia, but their home was always in Texas.
Laverne spent her time raising her children, working in senior care services and as a preschool teacher in later years. Laverne loved Jesus and spent countless hours reading and studying the Bible and sharing Jesus’ love with those around her. She attended First Baptist Church in Eugene. She loved the outdoors, especially the ocean, Redwoods and waterfalls.
Laverne was preceded in death by her father Roy George, mother Ovie Bates George, sister Anita Hall, brother Ralph George, husband Young (Jay) Gresham and daughter Shari Gresham.
She is survived by her brother Robert George of Eagar, Ariz., son Leslie Gresham and wife Erma of Bakersfield, Calif., daughter Sharla Trevino and husband Ben of Crescent City, Calif., daughter Carmen Harris of Odessa, Texas, daughter Kathy Baker and husband Jason of Bakersfield, Calif., daughter Paula Parker and husband John of Springfield and son Craig Gresham and wife Nikki of Plano, Texas. Laverne has 20 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. In accordance with her wishes, Laverne is being cremated. The family is planning to have a celebration of life later this year.
Services in care of Major Family Funeral Home in Springfield. Visit majorfamilyfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest book.
