Mrs. Laverne Bowers

Mrs. Laverne Hicks Bowers affectionately known as “Johnnie Cochran” made her heavenly transition on November 12, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. at her home in Hampton, VA with her family by her side at the age of 64. She was born on December 10, 1955 to the late Simon Hicks Jr. and the late Dorothy Lee Clements Hicks.

Laverne was a woman who was very particular about her appearance. She loved bright colors, interesting and intriguing patterns and odd designs on her clothing. She liked her house, car and outfits to be clean at all times and her grass to be cut by her husband Ralph in a neat and meticulous manner. Laverne loved trying new makeup, perfumes, hairstyles and liked planning her outfits a least one day in advance.

She even served as an interior decorator as she helped select various furniture pieces and artwork for her daughter’s very first apartment and later house as well as some unique pieces in her own home. Laverne loved children, particularly those who presented her with an extra challenge and special need that she was born with the ability to handle with the upmost compassion and care. She helped raise some of her nieces, nephews, younger brothers and sisters. Laverne had a close relationship and could often be seen out with her only child Adrienne while shopping, going to restaurants or getting her hair and nails done.

Laverne graduated from Bethel High School in Hampton, VA in 1973. She later attended Thomas Nelson Community College. She married her husband Ralph McDonald Bowers, on May 25, 1985 in the backyard of her parent’s house in a beautiful Little House on the Prairie themed wedding. Laverne was employed at her father’s business for over 30 years at Hicks Union 76 which later became Hicks’ Hauling and then Hicks’ Topsoil.

Laverne later began working as a School Bus Attendant for Hampton City Schools Transportation Department where she specialized in assisting students with special needs in getting to school for 22 years. She was a partner at First Baptist Burdette Church in Franklin, VA where she attended church regularly with her husband and daughter. Prior to joining this church she was a member of Miracle Temple Baptist Church in Newport News, VA formerly known as Second Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Pastor Floyd M. Blackwell. She served on the Usher Board during her time at both churches.

Laverne is preceded in death by her parents the late Simon Hicks Jr. and the late Dorothy Lee Clements Hicks. She is survived by her husband Ralph McDonald Bowers and their only child, Adrienne Latita Bowers. Laverne also had several god children that she loved as if they were her own children: Theresa Tann, Willie Mayfield, Delvin Mayfield, Antonio Mayfield, Velma Muse-Campbell, Tiara Muse and Marcus Muse. Laverne is also survived by her siblings Charles Hawkins, Dorothy Foster, Simon D. Hicks, Diane Hawkins, Valinita L. Johnson (Wallace), Min. Simon Hicks III and Donti Hicks. She also had two life-long best friends Yvonne Council and Loretta Muse and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

 Viewing for Mrs. Bowers will be held Thursday, November 19, 2020 from 1:00p.m. until  5:00p.m. at C.C. Carter Funeral Home, Inc .

Funeral services for Mrs. Bowers will be held 1:00p.m. Friday, November 20, 2020 at New Hope Baptist Church. 1415 Big Bethel Road. Hampton, VA. by Pastor Michael D. Whiting of First Baptist Burdette Church in Franklin, VA.

Entombment will take place at Parklawn Memorial Park.  

The family of Mrs. Laverne Bowers has entrusted her final care to the staff of C.C. Carter Funeral Home, Inc.