LaVerne Bryant Obituary

In Loving Memory of Mrs. LaVerne Buie-Bryant
January 5, 1940 – July 4, 2025
A Sophisticated Lady of Wisdom, Faith, and Education
The classroom of life welcomed LaVerne Buie-Bryant on January 5, 1940, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She was born to the late Leonard Buie Sr. and Julia Jones-Buie and was one of twelve children entrusted to the nurturing guidance of this loving family-a close-knit homeroom class of faith, love, and perseverance.
LaVerne charted a path of excellence early in life. A proud graduate of Merrill High School, Class of 1959, she went on to pursue higher education at Agricultural Mechanical and Normal College (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff), where she graduated on May 31, 1965. A lifelong learner and trailblazer, she continued her academic journey at the University of Arkansas, earning her Master of Education on August 15, 1981.
She was a trendsetter, becoming the first educator from the Packingtown community. One of her most cherished honors was being acknowledged by her neighborhood and celebrated as she rode on a float in the community parade-an unforgettable symbol of pride and progress.
LaVerne ventured beyond Arkansas, spending time in Memphis, Tennessee with her late husband, Stanley Bryant, all while pursuing her purpose in the classroom.
Her love for learning and passion for teaching laid the foundation for a remarkable 41-year career in education. She faithfully served in the Hughes and Altheimer School Districts, as well as in Adult Education, leaving an indelible mark on generations of students. She retired with honor in 1997 and was known not only for her professionalism and high expectations, but also for her unwavering poise, elegance, and signature sense of style-a true embodiment of what so many lovingly called the "Sophisticated Lady."
LaVerne was also a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., initiated into the Epsilon Zeta Zeta Chapter, where she upheld and promoted the values of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood.
A devoted woman of faith, LaVerne accepted Christ at an early age and lived a life that reflected her deep spiritual convictions. She was a faithful member of Old Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, where she served diligently as a Sunday School Teacher, Finance Committee Member, and most recently, as a cherished member of the Mother's Board.
LaVerne was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Julia Buie; her siblings Leonard Buie Jr., Leon Buie, Helena Buie, and Josephine Buie; and her beloved son, Phil Patese Buie.
Her greatest joy came from her family. She leaves behind her loving daughter, Carolyn Buie-Booker (Warren); her devoted daughter-in-law, Kathy Buie; and four treasured grandchildren: Warren L. Booker, Jr., ShaRhonda Johnson (LeeVaughn), LaTosha Kye, and Porsha Thomas. She was blessed with five great-grandchildren: Tia Kye, Chrissy Kye, Kelton Johnson, KaDence Johnson, and Amiya Mallett. She also helped raise her nephew, Edward Buie, whom she lovingly adopted as a son.
LaVerne is also survived by seven siblings: Mildred Brown, Estella Nelson, Henry Buie (Lois), Eddie Buie, Nathan Buie (LaVonda), Iciphine Jones, and Barbara Clay.
Her legacy of love, wisdom, and grace lives on through her family and in the countless lives she touched-students, colleagues, church family, and friends alike.
LaVerne will be deeply missed. Yet, her life lessons remain-etched in hearts, inked in memories, and forever echoing in the lives of those she nurtured. The final bell has rung, but her legacy continues to teach us still.
"She taught not only in schools, but in the way she lived- with dignity, love, and everlasting grace."
Visitation will be Friday, July 11, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Old Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church Pine Bluff, AR.
A Celebration of life for our beloved educator will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. at Old Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church Pine Bluff, AR Jerry Hayes, Pastor; Eulogy by Reverend Nathan Buie. Interment will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery Pine Bluff, AR by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff, AR. Her body will lie in-state Saturday, 1:45 p.m., until service time.
Obituary submitted by The Family.
Brown Funeral Home (Pine Bluff)