Laverne Smith Furlong

Laverne Smith Furlong of Bowling Green, Kentucky went to be with the Lord on September 30, 2024. She was born to the late Herbert M. and Byrdie Lewis Smith on January 15, 1930, in Barren County, Kentucky. Laverne was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 61 years, David Furlong.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Allan Furlong (Joni) and Joyce Furlong. Laverne was known as MawMaw to her six grandchildren: Sherry Simpson (Randy), Chris Furlong (Robin), Charla Lindbloom (Scott), Kayla Johnson (Shed), Kalan Brown (Crystal), and Eliah Furlong; and eight great-grandchildren: Trevor Furlong (Brandy), Seth Johnson, Mallory McNabb (Chase), Maddie Johnson, Lindsey Simpson, Ethan Lindbloom, Will Johnson, and Kobe Brown; along with one great-great-grandson Hixon Johnson who called her “Mo.” Laverne is also survived by a brother, Rolland Smith (Jessica) and a sister, Rebecca Bradshaw, as well as several nieces and nephews. Laverne was preceded in death by four brothers: Marvin Smith, Millard (Bill) Smith, Stanley Smith, and Haskell Smith. 

When Laverne was growing up, she attended the one-room school and the one-room Church of Christ at Beckton. She attended Park City High School and graduated from Glasgow High School in 1946. When Laverne and David were about 6 years old, David’s family moved to the farm adjoining the Smith farm. When David was old enough, he would walk across the fields to see Laverne’s brothers. (Grandma Smith, visiting one time said, “I know who he is coming to see.”)

On February 18, 1951, when David and Laverne were both 21, they married. They lived in Barren County and then Jefferson County before settling in Warren County to raise their family. Laverne also worked at the cafeteria at Bristow and Warren East schools. After retiring, she enjoyed doing food demonstrations in area grocery stores. 

David and Laverne were long-time members of the Lehman Avenue Church of Christ and before that, members of the University Church of Christ where Laverne would often teach children Bible classes. She was a faithful Christian whose Bible was always within reach of her recliner and never collected dust.

Laverne loved cooking and baking for her family and was known for adding a little bit of sugar and a lot of love in everything she prepared. MawMaw loved cooking and baking so much that her grandchildren printed a cookbook dedicated to her. She also enjoyed coloring, puzzles, sewing, bird-watching, Cincinnati Reds baseball, watching Hallmark movies, and petting her dog, Nelli. More than anything, she loved sitting outside in her carport and visiting with family and friends. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hardy and Son Funeral Home in Bowling Green. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 6, 2024, 2-7 pm and Monday, October 7, 2024, 9-11 am with the funeral at 11 am followed by a burial at Bowling Green Gardens.