Opal LaVerne Bland Thompson Raybourn was born in Shawnee on May 5, 1926, to Roy and Ina Licklider Bland. She died peacefully, with her family by her side, on Monday, January 26, 2015, in Oklahoma City. She was 88 years old.

Though born in Shawnee, LaVerne spent much of her childhood in the Prague area where her family settled after the land run.

She cherished being around her aunts, uncles and cousins, with whom she was always so close.

After graduation from Shawnee High School, she went to work at a soda fountain in a downtown Shawnee drugstore.

While working there, she met a young man who had recently returned from active duty as a paratrooper in WWII. Before long she had fallen in love with the man who would soon become her husband of 52 years, H. G. "Chuck" Thompson. They were married on November 17, 1946 at First Baptist Church in Shawnee.

She later went to work for Southwestern Bell as a telephone operator, narrowly avoiding losing that job due to the constant calls that Chuck would make to her during her working hours.

Chuck and LaVerne traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad.

She spent many years working with him doing design work for the homes and commercial properties that he built around the state. Her work on the interior and signage of the Cinderella Motor Inn won her accolades and numerous awards.

Sadly, she lost Chuck when he passed away in 1998.

Shortly after this sorrowful time however, she rekindled a longtime friendship and was soon in love again. On July 13, 1999, she married W. B. "Bob" Raybourn in a small ceremony officiated by a good friend in Wheeler County, Texas.

Bob became her rock, and he faithfully cared for her in such a strong and loving manner for the remainder of her life. They also enjoyed traveling, and particularly loved spending time together at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. When in town, they could usually be found together at Braum's.

Known for her constant smile, kind and loving demeanor, and extreme generosity, LaVerne was passionate about many things.

She served on the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Baptist Academy and ran the Immanuel Baptist Church Sunday School Nursery for many years.

She loved dolls and amassed a very impressive collection.

Her homemade ice creams were famous.

She loved being around children and had a huge soft spot in her heart for animals of any type, especially her beloved dogs. But of all of these things she loved so much, her biggest passion was her family. LaVerne made her children and grandchildren her top priority. Nothing was more important or fulfilling to her than spending time with, and taking care of, those she dearly loved.

Preceding her in death were her parents and first husband, Chuck.

She is survived by her husband, Bob Raybourn of Shawnee; daughter, Sherry Kendall of Oklahoma City; son Rick {Becky} Thompson of Shawnee; stepdaughter, Kathy {Bill} Whitecotton of Shawnee; stepson, Jim {Margo} Raybourn of Sexton, Illinois; stepdaughter, Mona {Ross} Cook of Kingston; grandchildren, Khris {Laura} Kendall of Fort Smith, Arkansas; Amber {Bruce} Rinehart of Oklahoma City; Josh {Sharon} Thompson of Edmond; Jacob {Carley} Thompson of Woodward; Dr. Will Thompson of Shreveport, Louisiana; Elizabeth Thompson of Tulsa; Jennifer {Mark} Broyles of Wylie, Texas; Jaime Hightower of Kingston; Candy Raybourn of Johannesburg, South Africa; and Dr. Trey {Sarah)}Raybourn of Indianapolis, Indiana; great-grandchildren Karson and Katie Kendall, Will and Brak Rinehart, Audrey and Miles Thompson, and Anna and Will Raybourn; as well as many dearly loved cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.

The family would like to give special thanks to Frontier Hospice and Legend at Council Road Memory Care, especially those caregivers, who know who they are, that treated LaVerne with so much love and dignity over the past several years. In particular, a very heartfelt and sincere thank you to Barbara Strickland, who became like family as she cared for our loved one and was right by her side for over five years.

Services will be Friday, January 30, at 2:00 p.m. at the Walker Funeral Chapel, with interment at Resthaven Memorial Park. Dr. Larry Adams and Rev. Stu Tully are officiating.

Visitation, with the family, will also be at Walker Funeral Service on Thursday, January 29, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Immanuel Baptist Church Building Fund, or another charity of your choice in her memory.