LaVerne Lee "Boo" Raposa passed away peacefully on July 19, 2024, at the age of 66 in Zephyrhills, Pasco County, Florida. LaVerne was born full of life and love on April 11, 1958, in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia, to Joseph Francis Raposa and Thelma Grace Baker Raposa. LaVerne was predeceased by her father, Joseph Francis Raposa and mother, Thelma Grace Baker Christensen and nephew, Joseph Lawrence Raposa. LaVerne is survived by her siblings: Larry Barnes, Lorraine Raposa Nettles, Lanny Raposa, Loretta Cowles, and Lynn Raposa. LaVerne is survived by her Uncle: Eugene Baker.

It has been said when beginning this memorial obituary "if anyone deserves to be memorialized with love, smiles and laughter, LaVerne is worthy of this honor." As you will recognize, this will not be just your average obituary as LaVerne was not your average person. LaVerne lived the life that was offered to her and displayed to all of us just how simply life should be.

LaVerne grew up in Cobb County Georgia and moved to Florida in 1969. LaVerne's brother, Lanny Raposa, shares his reflections on the years with his "sweet" sister, Verne. "When I was much younger and less understanding, face it, I was much more of a jerk then, it was easy to dismiss Verne's directness as un-informed and crude. Now, however, I see it's one of my favorite things about her. She always spoke her truth and let the chips fall where they may. An admirable quality, in my mind. I always felt the need to protect her when we were kids. I think all of her siblings did. The really cool thing was she never seemed to care either way. As a child LaVerne, when confronted, had a way of giving you this sly, side look. As if to say, "Do you really know what you're talking about" I don't know if anyone else saw it, but it made me back up and think that maybe I didn't. In recent years, despite her circumstance she seemed happy and perfectly willing to tell me how full of it she thought I was. She had an uncanny gift for training her cat that was truly remarkable. I had no idea it was even possible, but she did it. The truth is that no matter our differences, beliefs or ideas about life, our love for each other was never doubted. She was brutally honest, which surprised and angered me because it made me look at myself, but now is a source of affection and admiration. I only realize now how much I'll miss her. I love you, Verne." Sentiments that will be shared and embraced by many.

The years in Florida allowed LaVerne to form bonds with many of her relatives in the Dade City area. One special memory is LaVerne's love of the Atari game "Frogger." Benjamin Raposa, LaVerne's nephew, lovingly shared how he would rush home from school to head over to Aunt Verne's house and the battle was on. Aunt Verne and Ben would enjoy not only the game of Atari but the memories that they were unknowningly creating. LaVerne loved a good prank and apparently passed this mischief to her first nephew, Dale. Dale put into practice all shared by Aunt Verne. Carefully planned, Dale pulled on his cowboy hat, holstered his toy gun and carefully snuck up behind Aunt Verne and scared the daylight out of her. Safe to say, Aunt Verne was hot onto planning her next prank towards her little nephew. Ensued was a lifetime of laughter and poking at each other whenever Aunt Verne and Dale were in each other's company.

In 1991, LaVerne relocated to Austell, Cobb County, Georgia to live with Lorraine Nettles. One memory the family loves to reminisce about is LaVerne's interaction with her nephew Joshua. Joshua was a little youngster and inquistive about Aunt Verne's age. "Aunt Verne how old are you" "Josh, I'm older than dirt." Josh proceeded to remind "Aunt Verne, dirt is not old!" LaVerne loved to share this story and would howl with

laughter when told. There were very few moments without laughter when Aunt Verne was around. LaVerne lived with Loretta Raposa Cowles in Georgia from 2004 to 2010. During this time, LaVerne was able to enjoy many new experiences that LaVerne had always dreamed of. LaVerne fell in love with cruising and was able to enjoy three cruises during her lifetime. LaVerne enjoyed the art of flower arranging. The little entrepreneur and creative soul that LaVerne was created a small floral business.

LaVerne always held a love for animals, dogs and cats. LaVerne was disabled from the age of 1 year and 2 weeks old from a massive stroke and paralyzed on her left side. LaVerne's disability never held her back. Her love of animals helped LaVerne enter the world of training guide dogs for the disabled. LaVerne did very well at this hobby as this was something near and dear to her heart.

As LaVerne shared a love for children, she set out to share her humor and love by authoring many childrens stories under the name of "Goosie Lucy". For those of us who knew how much LaVerne loved to laugh, she also lived to encourage others to enjoy life and laugh as well. LaVerne's comedy routine of the legendary Minnie Pearl was sure to bring many smiles to the room.

A highlight of LaVerne's day was visiting or cherishing pictures of all her nieces and nephews. LaVerne never hesitated to share her enthusiasm, encouragement and love for all of their life achievements. It had been a fun memory heard, shared on more than one family gathering Aunt Verne sharing with Peyton "this is how Aunt Verne rotates the crops." A memory that will continue to bring a warm smile to Peyton and the hearts of those surrounding.

LaVerne's remaining years were spent in Zephyrhills, Florida. LaVerne shared a love for her friends and her neighbors who were also bundled into those LaVerne considered "family". It never went unnoticed or unappreciated for those who would go out of their way to lend a hand, a smile, drop off some goodies and simply drop by to say "hello."

LaVerne was a fun, spirited and loving aunt to all her nieces, nephews: Dale and Susan Cash (Peyton Cash and Alexander Martinez); Lisa and Mike Owen (Joshua Colvin and Tiffani, Tara Ashlee Hood, Mallory Hoody and Will Crosby); Richard and Hody Deavers (Sophia Deavers); Gregory Cash a veteran of the United States Navy (Chelsea Cash and Joseph Thomas Cash); Mark, a veteran of the United States Navy, and Joy Barnes (Corporal Gabriel Barnes of the United States Marines, Emma Barnes and Gavin Barnes); Michael and Kim Barnes (Connor Barnes and Carson Barnes); Benjamin and Laura Raposa (Grayson Raposa); Alexander and Laura Raposa (Jackson Raposa). LaVerne absolutely adored all of her great-nieces and great-nephews: Aleigha, Aden, and Eli Colvin; Laiklynn Hood; Brentley Ackling; Beau and Callum McClelland; Kage and Mazie Grace Crosby.

LaVerne lived to enjoy life to the fullest. LaVerne would want us all to take comfort that she is at peace, with "Mom and Dad", and smiling down from above.

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." - Revelation 21:4

The Hodges Family Funeral Home in Dade City, Pasco County, Florida, is handling the arrangements. A memorial service will be scheduled for a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in LaVerne's memory to either Tunnel to Towers Foundation or Wounded Warriors Project. The family appreciates your thoughts and condolences during this time.