Laverne Barland Riley

December 2, 1923 - November 28, 2017

Laverne Barland Riley was born on December 2, 1923 in Olah, MS and died peacefully on November 28, 2017 in Houston, TX.) She is predeceased by her loving husband Bernard Riley, Jr. whom she married in 1949 and of this marriage 3 children were born, Geralyn Hageman (Edward), Bernard Riley, III (Shamae) and Alyce Mathias, all of which survive her. The oldest of 5 siblings, 2 of whom predeceased her, Mary Arceneaux (Henry), and Christine Ragusa (Joe). She is survived by her sister Evaline Myatt and her brother John Barland (Barbara), her grandchildren, Allen Riley, Rosemary Steed (Michael), Michael Riley (Dianna), Claire Mathias, Mitchell Mathias and Andrew Mathias. She is also survived by her 5 great grandchildren, step grandchildren, great grandchildren, and her beloved nieces and nephews. Laverne converted to the Catholic faith and was very devoted and active in her Faith. She was a great teacher of the Faith, a prayer warrior extraordinaire, an elegant southern lady who did not go unnoticed in a room, because she was stunning even at 93 and because she was, well, she was Laverne! Everyone loved Laverne. Early in her life she worked for the California Company, predecessor to Chevron, later becoming a real estate agent and owner of a Merle Norman Cosmetic studio. She retired from real estate in her late 60s, but instead of taking it easy, she bought a Merle Norman cosmetics studio which she ran until she retired (again) at 80. She passed her last driving test at 90. Sunday she was decorating for Xmas and getting ready for guests at her house. She had polished her nails (herself!) bright red for Christmas. She was amazing. And she was one of a kind. She prayed endless Rosaries and she loved her family immensely. She was living till she was dying, and she did both well. She and her husband moved to Houston in 2006 after Hurricane Katrina destroyed their home in Metairie, LA. Laverne was an active member of St. John Vianney Catholic church and involved in various groups with St John Vianney. She had so many dear friends in Houston and she will be dearly missed by her family and friends. The Riley family will be present to receive friends Monday, December 4, 2017 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a Holy Rosary being recited at 7:00 PM at Dettling Funeral Home, 14094 Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77079. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at 10:30 AM at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston, TX 77079. A reception will follow Holy Mass on the church campus.