Mrs. LaVerne Bridget McClure

LaVerne (Bond) McClure was born December 7, 1955 in Saginaw, Michigan. She was the youngest child of James O. and Delores (Jones) Bond. A beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, great-aunt and great-great-aunt passed away on Monday, April 1, 2024 at Covenant Medical Center-Cooper at the age of 68 years. LaVerne married Donald P. MCClure on February 15, 1986. Together, they traveled extensively. Upon graduating from high school, LaVerne’s first job was as a cashier at Tony’s D&Y Grocery Store while she also attended Delta College. Other places of employment included Michigan Bell (Ameritech) and is now known as AT&T. During this tenure for a time, LaVerne served as a Union Steward. For five years, Mrs. McClure worked as a paraprofessional at Bridgeport Middle School. While volunteering in the lunch room, she was affectionally known as “The Lunch Lady”. Because of her concern that the kids had the change they needed, she would always bring extra change. She then worked at JC Penny’s in the Fine Jewelry Department where she was very well recognized for her top salesmanship abilities and her sales record still stands to this day. LaVerne was known as a gourmet cook. Her culinary and baking skills were LaVerne’s specialty. The blending of food textures, flavors and colors is where she excelled! LaVerne, was one of the few from her generation who carried forth the large food celebratory gatherings for her family and friends she experienced growing up. These memories that were created, will be treasured for lifetime, as our rich foundations are passed along to those who come after. LaVerne saw fruits of her labor as her children pick up the mantle, learning from LaVerne the love it takes, as they learned from the mentoring taking place in her kitchen. LaVerne was also a faithful member of Bethel A.M.E. Church, attended Sunday School and served in the Nurses Guild. She loved her children and grandchildren. Surviving to mourn her passing and cherish her memory husband, Donald P. McClure; sons, Eric D. (Kela) McClure, Missouri City, TX and Preston D. (Claudia) McClure, Tampa, FL; step-son, Donald P. McClure, Jr., Minneapolis, MN; step-daughter, Tamika (Sterling) Brooks, Saginaw, grandchildren, Karis, Preston James (PJ), Kaitlyn, Royon (Tre) and Tamara; two great-grandchildren, Danye and Willow; brother and sister, Nelson K. Bond and Melva R. (Clifford) Bond, both of Saginaw; another brother, Michael Strong, Jacksonville, TN; sisters-in-law, Sharon Leake, Flint, MI Barbara Barkley, Saginaw,; brother-in-law, Harry McClure, Key West, FL; aunts, Willette Daniels, Detroit, MI, Frances Gilyard, Saginaw and Ruth A. Thompson, Gahanna, OH; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins including special cousin, Royce Jackson and special friends, Alma Clark, Delores Gayles Beverly Frierson, Leona Spatz and Ann Bergy. Mrs. LaVerne Bridget McClure was preceded in death by her parents, James O. and Delores Bond; grandparents; siblings, Eileen Johnson and Leslie Leake; sisters-in-law, Debra Bond and Delores Allen; brother-in-law, Mack Johnson; niece, Jessica Bond; four uncles and a host of cousins and friends. LaVerne was a nurturer, a caregiver and many times the soothing voice heard when you felt your world was upside down, blowing you around like tumbleweed in the wind. LaVerne was there – the solace needed, giving words of thoughts filled with gentle guidance and giving you hopeful belief that everything will be alright. That was LaVerne. LaVerne, a fountain source of strength, nourishment, wisdom flowing with love, bringing joy and humor to her family and many friends. We, one and all, loved Laverne as well A Memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 535 Cathay St., Saginaw, MI 48601, Reverend Thelma Williams will officiate.

Mrs. LaVerne Bridget McClure

December 7, 1955 - April 1, 2024