Obituary of LaVerne Dempsey

LaVerne Jack Dempsey, 88, of Vinton passed away peacefully Sunday, July 24, 2011 after a long battle with dementia. Jack was a veteran of both the Army and the Air Force, which together, he served for 20 years. He retired from the Salem V A Medical Center in the late 1980's after 20 years in civil service. Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Helen Rebecca Dempsey (Stinnette); children, Gordon N. Dempsey (Melody) of Vinton; Douglas M. Dempsey (Traci) of Roanoke; Deborah L. Bishop (Dwayne) of Cloverdale; Michael S. Dempsey, Pamela M. Dempsey, Patricia A. Dempsey all of Vinton; David R. Dempsey (Lauren) of Roanoke; sisters, Bessie Branaman of Springfield, Missouri; Connie Lukehart (Ed) of St Joseph, Missouri; grandchildren, Leslie Dempsey, Shannon Dempsey, Troy Dempsey, Amber Dempsey, Zimiri Burnette (Jessica), Zachary Bishop, Brandon Tyler Hudson, Joseph Dempsey, Rachael Dempsey, Olivia Dempsey, and Jacob Dempsey; numerous nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Clinton Elwood and Florence Anna Pratt Dempsey, and three brothers, Clinton Elwood Dempsey, Jr. , Raymond Lloyd Dempsey, and William Francis Dempsey. Mr. Dempsey was an Elder and member at Wildhurst Presbyterian Church. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to everyone. Always ready to help anyone in need. The family wants to extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone for their continued love, support, calls, visits, and prayers during this difficult time. May God bless each of you. Flowers will be appreciated or donations may be made to the family to help with funeral expenses. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Thursday, July 28, 2011 at Simpson Funeral Home 5160 Peters Creek Road by the Rev. Bill Harris. Interment with military honors will follow in Cedar Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday at Simpson Funeral Home. 366-0707