Laverne Baxter

Laverne Wester Baxter, 71, of Odessa, TX, passed away on August 12, 2024, and was welcomed into Heaven with the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant," by Jesus Himself.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 PM, Monday, August 19, 2024, at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Reverends John McLemore and Nick Carraway of Belmont Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Sunday, August 18, 2024 from 3pm-5pm.

Laverne was born the fourth of five children to Willis Harvey Wester and Bonnie Lee Maddux Wester on June 16, 1953. Born in Kermit, Texas, she moved to Odessa and started attending Belmont Baptist Church when she was three. A 1971 graduate of Odessa High School, Laverne married Permian Panther Benny Keith Baxter on February 10, 1975. ‘

Laverne’s life was a testament to her deep faith and commitment to God’s will. She embraced her calling with the patience of Job and the joy of David, dedicating herself to raising children in the way they should go. As a young stay-at-home mom, Laverne started an at-home daycare to provide personalized loving care to babies and toddlers. When her daughters entered school, she continued to provide childcare in her home but also started serving as a Girl Scout Leader and school volunteer. Over the span of more than 35 years, Laverne was an active leader and teacher for Mission Friends, AWANAs, VBS, and children’s Sunday School; a nursery volunteer; a youth sponsor; and served on many committees for Belmont Baptist. Her life’s purpose was clearly fulfilled in her passionate commitment to guiding and nurturing children, leaving a legacy of laughter, love, and character that will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Anyone who knew Laverne knew she didn’t like to tell you “no”! Laverne was the ultimate cheerleader for her family and friends as they embraced life and she loved to come along for the adventure! She was the best companion for travel, shopping, playing games, or relaxing with a book. Out of love, she was a willing participant in hunting and fishing, furniture building and refinishing, hair dying and mud masks, designing and making clothes, or sitting in both freezing weather and scorching heat to watch a tennis match! Her boundless enthusiasm and zest for life made every moment shared with her a treasured memory. Laverne’s spirit was one of unwavering support and joy, and she lived each day with a heart full of love and a willingness to dive into whatever life had in store.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Willis Harvey and Bonnie Wester, in-laws, Sidney and Betty Jean Baxter; granddaughter, Kaitlin Whitfield; sister, Millie Ward; brother, Gene Wester; brother-in-law, Carey Baxter; and her nephew, Aaron Roper.

She is survived by her husband, Benny Baxter of Odessa, TX; daughter, Janie Whitfield of Odessa; daughter, Marsha Sowell of Portland, TX and husband John; grandchildren, Kelsey Whitfield, Hunter Sowell, and Brandon Sowell; sister, Carolyn Farris and husband Jimmie; sister, Patsy Roper and husband Eddie; brother-in-law, Tommy Baxter and wife Johnnie; and brother-in-law, Eddy Baxter; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Tommy McCrury, Avery McCrury, John Sowell, Hunter Sowell, Brandon Sowell, and Dusten Sawyers.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.