Laverne Graves

Laverne Smith Graves, age 90, passed away March 12, 2015. She was a member of South Roebuck Baptist Church and regularly attended Brooke Highland Church. She was preceded in death by her parents Johnny Alford and Ellie Lee Smith; brothers Brodus Smith and Dennis Smith and a beloved granddaughter Alexandria Marie Hamilton. She is survived by her daughters Sandra Smith Thomas (Scott) and Susan Smith Salvago(Johnny). Grandchildren Katherine Elizabeth Thomas, Steven James Thomas, Haley Austin Lee(Josh), and John Michael Salvago; great grandchildren Rozlyn Alexandria Lee and Indiana Harper Lee. A sister Hilda Wilson (Sonny). Laverne was a wonderful woman who took great care of her family. She loved the finer things in life. She had an eye for collecting antiques and surrounded herself with beautiful things she loved. Laverne was an avid gardener and winner of several Birmingham Beautification awards. She could always be found in her backyard tending her garden. Her door was always open to her family and friends. She held many festive occasions entertaining family and friends. Things she loved most in life were her two daughters, her grandchildren her Mississippi family, and most recently great grandchildren. Meme was the name she loved to hear the most. Laverne enjoyed a long and prosperous career in the real estate industry in Birmingham. She was truly a woman ahead of her time. She started as a sales agent at Moulton, Allen and Williams in the mid 50's and by the early 60's Laverne had her own residential construction business, Anchor Realty. She built many homes and neighborhoods in Roebuck, Center Point and Trussville. She continued in Real Estate into her 80's under the name, J&L Realty. Many families are living in their own homes today because of her help Laverne gave them in buying their own home. She was one of the strongest, smartest, most beautiful and most unique women that one could ever hope to know. We will miss her greatly, but always have fond memories to cherish. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 16 at 12:00pm with a visitation one hour prior. Jefferson Memorial In Trussville will be directing the services.