LaVerne Cunningham

SIKESTON, Mo. -- LaVerne Cunningham, 86, of Sikeston, formerly of Cape Girardeau and Jackson, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016, at the home of her daughter in Sikeston.

She was born May 24, 1930, in Harrisburg, Ark., to James H. and Nora Foster Pace. She and Eugene N. Cunningham were married Nov. 19, 1948, in Harrisburg, by her grandfather, the Rev. G.S. Robbins. LaVerne and Eugene shared 57 wonderful years together when he passed away Jan. 25, 2006.

LaVerne was salutatorian of the Harrisburg High School class of 1948. She and Eugene owned and operated the former High View Park Service Station in Fruitland for 25 years. She also served as an Avon representative for 15 years. Laverne was an avid NASCAR fan and loved doing crossword puzzles.

Loving survivors include her daughter, Jeanne Kestner of Sikeston; a grandson, Shawn (Ryann) Seabaugh of Sikeston; and four great-grandchildren, Kyler, Rylan, Gavin and Jacob.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Don and James Pace Jr., and her son-in-law, Johnny Kestner.

The visitation will be from 11 a.m. until service time at 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. The Rev. Sam Roethemeyer will officiate.

Interment will follow at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.

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The family suggests memorials take the form of contributions to Tri-County Hospice.