Laverne Lathem Ledbetter

Laverne Lathem Ledbetter passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at age 96.

Laverne was born in Lathemtown, Georgia in Cherokee County on May 6, 1926 and spent virtually her entire life living, laughing, and loving along Highway 20 between Canton and Cumming. She grew up in a family of 6 children, raised two daughters of her own and played a large role in the upbringing of her four grandsons, to whom she taught tennis and many other valuable lessons.

Though she remained a resident of Cherokee and Forsyth counties for her entire life, she was deeply interested in learning about the wider world and was a voracious reader who cultivated long friendships with artists, travelers and others. She loved the work of many authors but had a special affection for the books of Pat Conroy.

Laverne taught school for 27 years, most of them at Midway Elementary School, and was beloved by generations of her students. She was named the 1980 Teacher of the Year for Forsyth County.

She was known for her sweet tooth and her famous banana pudding and for her deep caring for and generosity to her friends, family, students and community. The sparkle of her bright blue eyes as she told stories created joy in the lives of all those who were lucky enough to spend time with her, and she will be dearly missed by all of those she knew and loved.

Laverne was preceded in death by husband, G. H. Ledbetter, Jr., her parents Quay and Mae Lathem, her brothers Hayward and Douglas Lathem, and her sisters Sadie Cole and Nancy Westbrook, brother and sister-in-law Lamar Ledbetter (Dorthy Mae) and James Ledbetter (Mary). 

Laverne is survived by her daughters Ginger (Jack) Shoemake and Joy (David) Langston; grandsons Chad, Justin, Josh (Joni) and Chuck (Liz) and great grandchildren; her brother, Hollis Lathem and sister-in-law Elizabeth Lathem; nieces, nephews and many friends.

Many thanks to her last caretakers, Osa and Winnie, who lovingly took care of Mrs. Ledbetter and all the others who cared for her.

Laverne will be honored at a private and interment service.

In her memory donations can be made to Jesse’s House, Cumming, GA or Bald Ridge Lodge for Boys, Cumming, GA.