LaVerne Clara Roberson (nee Adrian), fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the age of 99. She was the beloved wife of nearly 72 years to the late John Roberson Sr.; dearest mother of the late John Jr. (survived by Rita) Roberson, the late Diane (the late Rich) Noles, Denise (Mark) McManus, Nancy (Mike) Prost, and Richard (Jean) Roberson; and the loving grandmother of 9 and great-grandmother of 13+. LaVerne is also survived by her sister, Erlene Adrian.

As a baby, LaVerne's hands were burned in a freak accident, which led to skin grafts and surgeries at Shriners Children's Hospital when she was older. Though she was always self-conscious of her hands, she found comfort in drawing and discovered a natural talent. While still in high school, she was hired by a publisher to illustrate Bible stories.

LaVerne loved fashion and drew sketches of women's outfits with the hope of becoming a buyer for the Famous-Barr department store. Instead, she took a job in the women's clothing department, where she spent most of her earnings on clothes. During World War II, she joined the USO, where she and her friends would go dancing with servicemen at the Casa Loma Ballroom. Dancing was another of LaVerne's great loves. After the war, she and her girlfriends continued to go dancing, and it was through this passion that she met the love of her life, Jack (John) Roberson. The two of them could clear a dance floor. They were engaged after three months and married within the year. They remained together for 72 years and raised five wonderful children.

LaVerne was always an entrepreneur. When she and Jack bought their first house, she took in boarders until after their fourth child was born, at which point they moved from the city to the county. With the money she had saved for years, they were able to buy their dream home, where she resided until her death.

Over the years, LaVerne loved playing cards and bowling with her friends, but most of all, she loved her family. For years, she and Jack hosted a Wednesday family night where all five children, their spouses, and sometimes grandkids would gather. It was deeply important to her that her children always stay close. Sometimes, when she was ready for bed, but her family had overextended their stay, she would playfully sing, "Show me the way to go home, I'm tired and I want to go to bed…".

Now, rest in peace, sweet Mother; your family will miss you dearly.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shriners Children's Hospital, 4400 Clayton Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110 or donate online at https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en

Visitation Sunday, May 10, 4:00 - 8:00 PM at Collier's Funeral Home, 3400 N. Lindbergh Blvd (St. Ann). Funeral Mass Monday, May 11, 10:00 AM at Holy Spirit Church 3130 Parkwood Ln (Maryland Heights). Interment at St. Philippine Cemetery (St. Charles).