Myrtle Ann (Miller) La Vere

     Myrtle Ann (Miller) La Vere, 88, of Burgaw passed from her earthly life on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Myrtle was the daughter of the late McIver and Mae Miller.  Myrtle was one of ten children.  Myrtle is preceded in death by her husband, Edward La Vere.

     Myrtle is survived by her children; Michael La Vere (Linda) of Burgaw NC, Douglas La Vere of Kings Mountain NC, Ricky La Vere (Nina) of Newark DE, Michele La Vere (John) of Burgaw NC, and Beth Bryant (Julian) of Clayton NC.  In addition to her children, she is survived by her brother Billy Miller (Caledonia) of Wilmington NC, and her beautiful grandchildren; Carrie Chapman (Ken), April La Vere (Bryan), Zachary La Vere (Sara), Ricky La Vere II, Kristin Barker, Daniel La Vere (Allison), Colt Chapman, Katie Chapman, Cassie Chapman, Alysa Bryant, Noah Bryant, Jacob Bryant, Hunter La Vere, Hope La Vere, Ella Barker, Ava Barker, Leona La Vere, Levi La Vere, Samantha Knotts, Andrew Jones, Zeke Chapman, Rosie Chapman, as well as many nieces and nephews.  And a special mention to her sister-in-law and friend Annalise Miller, Rosa Harrelson, and last but certainly not least, Lady Hawke. Hawke was her sidekick, protector, and the most loyal companion anyone could ask for. 

     Special thanks to Novant New Hanover Medical center nurses, C2R2 nurses, Jenna Brown, doctors and aides on the 2nd, 3rd, and 7th floors. You treated our Mom with the utmost dignity and respect and the family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts.

     “Above all things love each other deeply.  1 Peter 4:8” This verse sums up the way Myrtle lived her life; deeply and fiercely. Her family was her most precious priority, even above her own needs.  

     She was referred to by many names.  Myrtle, Myrt, Mama, Mom, Aunt Myrtle, Mrs. La Vere, Ms. Myrtle, Mama Myrtle, Grandmom, Grandimom, The Other Pop-Pop, Turtle, and Honey.  She welcomed you into her heart and you would be inducted into the family forever. Her most precious achievement was raising her children and loving her family. 

     Myrtle was a loving person that did not mince words.  To put it bluntly, she was feisty.  She was small in stature but not small in personality.  Some may see her as an adorable, mild-mannered southern bell, which is true but to clarify, she also had the persona of a 7’ tall prize fighting champion. Nothing could stop her when she put her mind to it.  She lived and loved like a champion.

 Not many things stood in her way of successfully achieving her goals.  For example, Myrtle decided she would go to college after retirement.  She enrolled in the Culinary Arts program at Cape Fear Community College.  For those folks that have dined at her table, you know her culinary skills were already superb and needed no additional tweaking.  As a matter of fact, people would come to her and ask her to teach them how to cook.  There would be many occasions that Myrtle would teach others the art cooking in her black and white themed kitchen that her husband, Edward LaVere built just for her.   

     There is a consistent theme when referring to Myrtle La Vere, its Love. She loved her family fiercely, she loved her grandchildren, she loved her friends, she loved her dog, Hawke, she loved bluegrass, she loved to laugh, she loved to cook, she loved Pepsi, she loved to help others, she loved to LOVE.  There will never be another Myrtle Ann (Miller) La Vere and that’s ok, because God broke the mold when He made her.  She was a blessing to many; her legacy will live on forever. 

     Services will be held Saturday, April 16, 2022, at 11:00 am at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel located at 308 W. Freemont St. Burgaw, N.C. 28425 with Reverend Tim Cook officiating. The family will receive visitors beginning at 10:00 am at Quinn McGowen, prior to the services.

      In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105

     Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting Tribute Wall.     

     Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Burgaw.

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