Laverne Louise Morgan

Laverne Morgan, 78, of Crofton, MD, died peacefully from complications of Parkinson’s Disease on Friday, September 10, 2021.  Laverne fought a courageous 20-year battle with the disease.  Having her husband by her side taking care of her needs every day gave her the ability to battle through each rough patch.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Russell T. Morgan, Jr., of Crofton, MD; her son, Russell T. Morgan, III and his wife Debbie of Lusby, MD; her daughter Sheila Smith and her husband, Jeffrey, of Westminster, MD. 

Laverne was born in Baltimore, Maryland, to parents Joseph Ranazza and Frances Ranazza (Lerch). She had strong and lasting relationships in her life that meant so much to her. Her grandparents were Raymond and Helen Lerch, also of Baltimore, who taught her many life lessons as a young girl; her mother-in-law, Margaret McCauley, who she met as a teenager, teaching her how to cook, bake, crochet, and eventually stir up a few whiskey sours; and Albert McCauley, Margaret’s husband of many years, who meant the world to her with his caring ways and great humor; a son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brothers and sisters-in-law, many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, the list is long; and everyone meant something to her.

She wasn’t a woman who needed a million friends; she enjoyed a few exceptional friends, and neighbors, who came into her life, and touched all of our lives, for a reason, season, but most for life.  Every one of them are remembered as they were, and are, considered family. 

Laverne was an irreplaceable wife, mother, friend, and homemaker, and she knew how to do everything with meaning.  Her family was her number one priority as that is where she loved most to be, taking care of everyone, giving us all tips for living authentically.  She got her hands dirty as often as possible and wouldn’t have had it any other way.  She had a knack for creating festive gatherings with family and friends over good food and special treats that came out of her kitchen, and she reveled in sharing those times that were meant to bring everyone together. Laverne found pleasure in the simple adventures of the Catoctin Mountains, Rehoboth Beach, shopping sprees at Homestead Gardens, many meals at her favorite restaurant, Friendly Farms, visiting with her children, or simply by filling her cart to the brim at the Amish Market every chance she could, never getting enough candy.  Every outing was deliberate, and memorable. 

She was a unique and caring individual who never complained and would never utter a negative word about another person. She was a strong influence on her family by teaching patience and understanding throughout our lives. She would want to be remembered for that, and for her perseverance, warmth, kindness, and the best hot milk sponge cake ever made.  No matter what, she would always insist that everyone “be kind.” She was an angel on earth, and we all learned from her and will do our very best to carry the torch.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for Saturday, September 25^th from 2 – 4 PM at Beall Funeral Home, 6512 Crain Hwy, Bowie, MD 20715.  Donations may be made to MAPS Parkinson’s Support Group, PO Box 450, Brooklandville, MD 21022.