LaVerne Lucille Hampleman, formerly of Du Quoin
LaVerne Lucille (Lessner) Hampleman, 89, of Houston, Texas and formerly of Du Quoin, passed away at 7:56 a.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2020 at her residence.
LaVerne was born in Chicago on Aug. 18, 1930 to Theresa Marie (Drehobl) Lessner and Felix Lessner. She grew up in Chicago and married her beloved husband, Herman Glen Hampleman, on Aug. 19, 1950. They raised their daughter in Morton Grove, Illinois and moved to Du Quoin in 1989.
Herman and LaVerne were members of the First Baptist Church in Du Quoin. Following Herman's death, LaVerne joined Paradise Baptist Church where she remained a member after moving to Florida in 2001 and then to Houston to be closer to her family in 2010.
LaVerne is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Beverly Lynn Hampleman Lee and George Earl Lee of Houston; grandchildren, Theresa Louise Lee of Houston, George Ryan Lee (Jessica) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Erica Lee Wilk (Adam) of Arlington Heights, Illinois; great-grandchildren Collins Rose Lee, Lennon Ryan Lee and Beau Ryan Wilk; a special niece, Gail Schroeder Lee of Carpentersville, Illinois; sisters-in-law Virginia Hampleman Woosley of Bartow, Florida and Gerry Smith Hampleman of Lakeland, Florida; special friend and caregiver, Juana Salazar and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by Herman; her mother and father; a sister, Phyllis Lessner Schroeder; and a brother, James Cox.
Due to Herman's kidney disease, he was on dialysis and LaVerne drove him to Carbondale for his treatments for several years. She realized the importance of getting a dialysis center built in Du Quoin - not only for Herman but also for all of the other folks who had to drive long distances three times each week for treatment.
LaVerne worked diligently on her mission and in June 2000, the first Du Quoin dialysis center opened in downtown Du Quoin. Herman died in 1999 and was not able to see the center open, but LaVerne always considered her work and perseverance in getting the center opened to be one of her greatest accomplishments as well as her final tribute to Herman.
When the dialysis center moved to its present location, LaVerne, Beverly and Gail traveled to Du Quoin to celebrate the grand opening in 2013. This would be LaVerne's final trip to Du Quoin.
Her family finds great comfort that LaVerne will now be reunited with her beloved Herman in Paradise Cemetery. LaVerne was definitely one of a kind and her passing is the end of an era for her family, friends and neighbors. She will be greatly missed.
Due to the restrictions of the coronavirus pandemic, a small graveside ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at Paradise Cemetery in Tamaroa with the Rev. Joe Wagner officiating.
A memorial service will be held later this summer. If you would like to contact the family, email LaVerne's daughter Beverly at beverlyhlee305@gmail.com.
Friends may make memorials to the First Baptist Church in Du Quoin, which will be accepted at the funeral home.
Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.