LaVerne Nicks

April 5, 1918 - January 14, 2019
LaVerne Nicks

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La Verne Bartels Nicks peacefully completed her 100 year journey on Monday, January 14, 2019 in Wilmington, North Carolina.

She was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on April 5th, 1918, the daughter of Emil and Elizabeth Bartels.
She was preceded in death by her husband Grover Russel Nicks, her son Nicki Russel Nicks and her brother Earl Bartels.

La Verne is survived by her son, Dennis Bart Nicks and his wife Linda Smith Nicks; grandchildren Neesha Nicks Allen and Brant Russell Nicks and great grandchildren Bryce Anna Allen and Reuben Hunt Allen.

La Verne spent most of her life in Shorewood, Wisconsin and St. Louis, Missouri. She was an enthusiastic sports fan with a special love for Cardinals baseball, golf and football. Her cooking and knack for entertaining was a delight for everyone who shared a meal at her table- the ingredient of love was ever present. She always prepared extra food to share with neighbors and Church friends. La Verne was famous for the hundreds of cookies that she baked each Christmas . She had an un-canny ability to remember Birthday’s and send cards that arrived precisely on the date.

La Verne or “GG” as she was known to her great grandchildren, lived her life to create happiness for her family and loved unconditionally each moment of everyday. Her passion for others, sharp wit and wry humor made her a memorable figure to all she encountered. While GG loved most creatures, she held a particular disdain for birds- the result of her brothers locking her in a chicken coop at a young age. She spent most of her time outdoors looking skyward with a slight scowl – which provided good natured entertainment for the surrounding family.

La Verne volunteered for many years at her Church in Florissant, Missouri and the local hospital, before moving to Wilmington to be closer to family. While La Verne was steadfastly selfless and never particularly enjoyed people making a fuss over her, she was a central to the cohesion of her family and participants at all gatherings seem to gravitate to be with La Verne.

The family is deeply grateful to the members of St. Andrews Covenant Presbyterian Church for the love she was shown by its members during the final chapter of her life. Regardless of La Verne’s health she was always ready hours in advance for Church and was grateful for the love she received while there.

A memorial service will be held at St. Andrews Covenant Presbyterian Church 11:00 AM Saturday, January 26, 2019.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Post a Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S.41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099.


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  • January 18, 2019
    fld says:
    My sincere condolences for the loss of La Verne. May you find comfort in the many fond memories you have of her. I pray your faith will help you through this time of bereavement and may you look forward to the time when all who are in God's memory will be restored to life, and sickness and death will cease forever. John 5:28, 29 and Revelation 21:3, 4. May Jehovah the God of all comfort keep you in his loving care. You may learn more about his promise for the future at www.jw.org.

  • January 25, 2019
    Kendrick King says:
    Laverne and I spent many hours together at the Kempton: meals, exercise classes, visiting. She was an inspiration to me. When I did not feel like going to exercise class I remembered Laverne and her faithful attendance at her advanced age. She was also a frequent attendee at church and Sunday School. I miss her and I know there are others at the Kempton who do as well. She will be remembered.