LaVerne French

LaVerne French, age 89 of Springville, TN, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at her residence.

She was born on January 13, 1937, in Mulberry, AR, to the late William Sweet, and the late Birdie Gabbert Sweet.

She married Robert Russell French, Sr., who preceded her in death.

LaVerne devoted much of her career to the retail world, working tirelessly as a Department Manager at various Walmart locations, including the ones in Fort Smith and Paris, Tennessee. In her free time, LaVerne was an avid reader and a devoted member of the Sulphur Well Church of Christ in Springville, Tennessee. She treasured her time with the sewing group and cherished the laughter and fellowship she found in the Prime Timers group.

She is survived by six children, Cathy (Darren) Clark of Amarillo, TX, Debbie (Bo) Navarro of Golden Valley, AZ, Dian Carson of Springville, TN, Deana (Eli) Kendall of Buchanan, TN, Kenneth (Earline) French of South Carolina, and William H. French of Arkansas; one brother, William Sweet of California; nine grandchildren, Justin French, Adam French, Holly Molina, David Carson, Kira Henson, Todd Carson, Darian French, Seth French, and Brody Kendall; 17 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, LaVerne was preceded in death by one son, Robert Russell French, Jr., and two sisters, Ramona Snow and Margie Robinson.

Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street, Paris, TN, 38242, is handling the arrangements. Her remains are to be cremated. A memorial visitation will take place Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Ridgeway Funeral Home. A memorial service will begin at 4:00 p.m. officiated by Tim Parrish.