LaVerne Greene Brande

LaVerne Greene Brande, age 91, of Browns Summit NC, passed peacefully into heaven on November 12, 2023.  She lived her life with the heart of a true servant dedicated first to God and her family, and a steadfast commitment to her friends, church, and community.

She was born to John Clemmons and Hattie Shepherd Green on October 31, 1932, as their fourth child, following siblings Kathleen Troxler, and brother John Greene Jr and an infant brother who passed away at birth. She spent her youth working in her father’s service station/country store and working in tobacco. She attended Monticello School for 11 years, graduating as the baby of the class having skipped ahead a grade. LaVerne excelled in sports as well, including playing on the All County women’s basketball team her senior year.  She continued her studies at Kings Business College learning office & secretarial skills. 

She married Austin Caudell Brande, a local boy, in 1953, and they spent their married life in their home on Greenbrook Road.  They raised three children, daughter Kathy and sons Timothy & Randall.  They had an active, full life until Austin’s passing in 2017 after 64 years of marriage.  In keeping with her trademark stoicism, Mom kept moving forward in service until her own passing.

Her most precious focus aside from her family was service to her church in many roles, most particularly as church organist/pianist for 63 uninterrupted years. She was a lifelong member of Friendship United Methodist Church in Browns Summit, having joined at age 16 with her father at a revival meeting at the old first church building.

She was a founding member of the Ladies Auxiliary for the Northeast Volunteer Fire Department in Browns Summit.  She had an active work life, beginning as a secretary at Burlington Industries in Greensboro prior to her marriage, and (following a break to raise three babies), concluding in retirement as Secretary/Treasurer of Monticello Browns Summit Elementary School in Guilford County in 2008 after 34 years of service.  In between work, she kept very busy in varied roles of  community service.

LaVerne is survived by her children Kathy Brande (Stephen Durham), Tim Brande (Margaret), & Randy Brande (Christal);  grandchildren Jonathan Brande (Jess Schuele), Christopher Brande (Rachel Johnson), and Katelyn Hazelwood (Noah). She was predeceased by her parents, husband Austin, and siblings.

Mom had a strong yet quiet spirit which she put to work throughout her life and used to sustain her through her final challenge with dementia, the long goodbye.  She faced each downward step with dignity and bravery, and with her last breath we believe she was received into the welcoming arms of Jesus, healed and happy to rejoin her loved ones that she missed so much.

The family will receive friends at Wilkerson Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, from 5:00-7:00PM. Funeral services will be at 11:00am on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at Friendship United Methodist Church with Rev. Kevin Cochran officiating. Burial will immediately follow at the church cemetery. Wilkerson Funeral Home, in Reidsville NC, is assisting the family.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following:  Friendship United Methodist Church, 5222 NC 150 East Browns Summit NC 27214 or Northeast Volunteer Fire Department, 7806 Jackson School Rd. Browns Summit NC 27214.