LaVern Kenobia Abernathy-Theus, 65 of Portsmouth, Virginia peacefully entered into eternal life on Friday, August 21, 2020. Born in Portsmouth, VA to the late Thomas William and Thressa Viola Abernathy on December 21, 1954.
She attended Portsmouth Public Schools and was recently a recipient of her High School Diploma from I.C. Norcom High School because she was a graduate of the “class that never was”. Following hIgh school, LaVern was gainfully employed with the Norfolk Naval Shipyard as an electrician for 17 years. During that time, she met her loving husband of 35 years, George Wallace Theus. Together they are the parents of one daughter, Kenobia L. Abernathy of Portsmouth, VA.
One day God gave LaVern a vision and it was her hearts desire to reach, teach and lead the children of our future. So LaVern was obedient, stepped out on faith, left the shipyard and never looked back. LaVern went on to earn her Associates Degree from Tidewater Community College. Mrs.Theus began to apply her gifts and birthed her vision and opened the doors of her home to many children, 1994 was the beginning of Abby’s Ark Daycare now known as Abby’s Ark Early Learning Center located in Portsmouth, VA. She became an exceptional educator and mentor to many. Mrs. Theus found so much pride in her accomplishments as an African American business woman in the education industry that as a result of her hard work and dedication, Abby’s Ark was the first home daycare to become accredited in the Tidewater area. Following this great accomplishment, LaVern furthered her education by earning a dual degree from Regent University mastering Early Childhood Education.
It was her hearts desire to grow Abby’s Ark Daycare. In 2005, Abby’s Ark Daycare became Abby’s Ark Early Learning Center. LaVern was able to move her business out of her home and into a commercial facility that was licensed to instruct a capacity of 42 children. Mrs. Theus was influential to the spiritual, mental, and emotional growth of every child that she encountered. She prided herself in equipping children with the necessary skills and self esteem they needed to go out into the world and succeed but most importantly with Jesus Christ as their foundation. As the owner and Director of Abby’s Ark Early Learning Center, LaVern also acquired an adjunct professor position at her alma mater, Tidewater Community College in Portsmouth, VA teaching Early Childhood Education to those who desired to become educators. She was also a trainer and consultant for the Department of Social Services, Private Institutions and Smart Beginnings.
LaVern was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church of Portsmouth, VA. While there she actively served on the Deaconess Board, The Christian Education Board, taught Sunday School to the youth and volunteered herself in many church activities. LaVern loved the Lord and it was evident that God was a paramount source in her life.
It was no doubt “Lady T” loved her husband and daughter immensely. However, those who know LaVern knew that her most prized possession were her grandchildren, Alivia LaVern and Parker Braxton. She loved her family and welcomed many memories filled with love, hugs and laughter for the masses.
LaVern was preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Thressa Abernathy, as well as her brother Harvey Abernathy. She is survived by her loving Husband George Theus, her only daughter Kenobia Abernathy (Eric) , two sisters Christine Abernathy (NJ) and Grace Porter (Ruben) , two brothers Thomas Abernathy, Sr. (Ingrid) and Micheal Abernathy (Karen), her grandchildren Alivia LaVern and Parker Braxton, a host nieces, nephews, and her god children.
To that end, LaVern was a devoted Wife, Mother, Grandmother, god mother, Aunt and friend. Her spirit was contagious, her commitment to children was undeniable and her love for God was evident. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.
Condolences(28)-
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Personal Service, Peace of Mind, Pleasant Memories
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Grace Abernathy Porter says
August 24, 2020 at 11:19 amGoodbye baby sister. I am thankful that you are no longer in pain. Rest peacefully with our family members that have gone on before you. Love you my dear.
Linnea Palmer says
August 27, 2020 at 8:40 amMy deepest condolences to the family of Lavern she will truly be missed by all. Her bright smile and concerns of others will be missed.
Elder Stephen D. & Andreau Sessoms Sr. says
August 28, 2020 at 4:58 pmOur heart felt condolences to the Theus family.. Got to know Laverne by being in various ministries together. Praying God’s comfort over George and her family. RIH my sister.
Lois Powell says
August 27, 2020 at 10:45 amRest in Heaven my friend/sister. YOU will be deeply missed but never forgotten . You have your wings now.I will. Always love you. Forever in my heart. Your friend/sister Lois
Sharon says
August 28, 2020 at 11:15 amAbby my cousin and friend. You will forever live in my heart. Your smile will continue to be radiant in this world because of the lives you touched. God will watch over your family. Rest in peace in Jesus arms….love u cuz.????????…Sharon Blizzard
Donne Willet Jones says
August 24, 2020 at 7:38 pmLavern i wish you eternal peace. Your loving family is in my thoughts and prayers. Love Donne
Pamela Bennett says
August 24, 2020 at 10:31 pmLavern, See you on that great morning when we all get to Heaven my forever sister-in-love. I praise and thank God for for allowing our paths to cross. Mamie, Grace, Tommy, Michael, George and Kenobia you have my sincere condolences. I pray that God will continue to strengthen you during this difficult time. With Love, Pam
candy says
August 25, 2020 at 11:47 amSending my condolences and praying God wraps his arms of comfort around the family during this difficult time. Aunt Lavern you will be missed….but your smile and embrace Every time I saw you will be me forever….Rest on Beautiful….
Rita Williamson-Bell says
August 25, 2020 at 2:26 pmMy dearest cousin, while you are no longer here, I smile when I think of the glorious moments you are having as you connect with GOD, JESUS and all of our loving family members on the other side. I will carry the special loving bond that you and I shared in my heart forever and I will miss you everyday. May God’s comfort and peace surround her family and her siblings through this very difficult time.
Eunice Booker-Jubray says
August 25, 2020 at 6:37 pmTo the Abernathy and Theus Family,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Always grateful for being in my friend presence when we get together.and have a good talk. Thanks for teaching my granddaughter and impacting her life because she love Mrs.Theus so much. Will always remember that beautiful smile. May the Lord continue to comfort and strength the family during this time of bereavement. Rest in Paradise, Laverne
Jean & Lois Harrison says
August 26, 2020 at 9:22 amWe love you ,we will miss you we will find comfort knowing you are at peace resting in the arms of the all mighty. Rest in his loving arms my friend/sister from another mother. I will cherish our memories and love forever. May Nobia, Grace and the family fine comfort, joy and peace knowing you are not in pain but at peace. Rest in heaven Vern will love you forever.
Jacqueline Jacobs says
August 26, 2020 at 11:38 amMy Deepest Condolences to Abernathy and Theus family. Praying for you through this difficult time. ????????
Pamela Singletary says
August 26, 2020 at 1:33 pmMy sincere and deepest condolences go out to the families of Ms. Lavern. May she rest in peace.
Reggie & Linda Powers says
August 26, 2020 at 2:36 pmThanks for the many memories from our youth, what a great time we had. You will be missed. Rest in Eternal Peace.Reggie &
Arthur Knight says
August 26, 2020 at 4:52 pmWhat a great co worker and friend you have been you have been to all of the shipyard family and may your journey be wonderful as the life you had and the kindness you showed us all. Thank you for being a friend to myself and my family
Henry and Antionette Dixon says
August 26, 2020 at 5:06 pmMy condolences to you and your family. Ms. Theus was mentor and colleague in the childcare profession. Rest in Peace
Vanessa Floyd Abernathy says
August 26, 2020 at 7:08 pmI will remember the coca-cola room and the great times in the kitchen. Kenobia’s cotillion. Those Easter dinners and that last Family reunion. LaVerne and Harvey had a special love. My condolences to Kenobia and all the family.
Valerie Winborne says
August 26, 2020 at 7:22 pmTo the Family and especially Dear Kenobia…our prayers are with you. We send love and light from the bottom of our hearts to a family that we grew up with. A family we deeply care for and hold close!
Valerie Winborne on behalf of the entire Winborne Family
Leslye Taylor says
August 26, 2020 at 9:40 pmOn behalf of my children Alicia, Vivian and Philllip Jr.. we extend our love and condolences to the Abernathy Family. She will be sorely missed, but we will see her again as residents of heaven.????
Selma says
August 27, 2020 at 8:29 amFirst God we give you praise, honor , and glory.
We thank you for the life you gave LaVern. Now I pray the peace of God be with her husband George and daughter Nobe. God send peace and comfort at this very hour God. Uphold them. Reassure them you are there with them.
Sis LaVern fought a good fight. She now take her rest and sleep until the trumpet sounds. Lord you knew everything concerning her life. Now God has spoken. Thank you God for life and in knowing she shall have eternal life.
I pray comfort and peace to the families and encourage their hearts oh God. We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. In Jesus name Amen ???????? Love ???? Cup & Family
Nicoda says
August 27, 2020 at 9:36 amI am thankful to have know Lavern and her family. She has been a blessing in my life. I will always remember all the times we have fellowshipped, prayed and worshipped together. Her love for God and being a Horse in the Lord” will always be with me. She had reach that was far and wide.
I will continue to prayer for her family during this time. She was well loved.
Isaiah 57:1-2 The righteous man perishes, and no one lays it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one understands. For the righteous man is taken away from calamity; she enters into peace; they rest in their beds who walk in their uprightness.
Dr. Lelia Tynes says
August 27, 2020 at 9:41 amI extend my deepest condolences to George, Kenobia and family. Abby was an “Educator Extraordinare” who contributed a lifetime of expertise to the early learning community. Her passion for teaching and learning extended beyond the walls of her center to many of us as co-laborers in the educational field. While her love for children was evident, it was a gift that was birthed out of a deep love for the Lord. I’m reminded of the prayers we shared in her home, on the telephone or during lunch in her Coca Cola kitchen. Abby was a dear friend who will be sorely missed. She has completed her course and has now gone from labor to reward. Rest on my friend.
Kirk D Stewart says
August 27, 2020 at 3:20 pmI am very thankful to have met such a beautiful spirit on this earth. Yet so saddened to have to say goodbye. To meet a person who smiles at you with their entire being and makes you feel so very special. Every single time. You, Mrs. Theus, will definitely be missed. I pray for peace and strength for this family in this time. Thank you for calling me Son and thank you for an amazing sister. I love you.
Marcelle C Ruffin says
August 27, 2020 at 3:22 pmMrs Vern you will be truly missed! I remember how you always welcomed me to your home as a little child. Your courageous voice I will never forget. I am so glad that I was able to know you and your family. One day we will meet again. Rest well!
Thomas Abernathy St. says
August 28, 2020 at 8:47 amI will deeply miss my beloved sister Lavern ❤️. She was my bless sister a brother could have. I’ll miss all the joking and even the serious conversations we would have. Her life was full and busy but most of all she loved Jesus and would tell everyone she did. I’ll miss you lil sis, rest in glory in ever lasting peace… Your brother Tommy loves you beyond words ????????????.
Thomas Abernathy St. says
August 28, 2020 at 8:49 amI will deeply miss my beloved sister Lavern ❤️. She was my bless sister a brother could have. I’ll miss all the joking and even the serious conversations we would have. Her life was full and busy but most of all she loved Jesus and would tell everyone she did. I’ll miss you lil sis, rest in glory in ever lasting peace… Your brother Tommy loves you beyond words.
Zelma Cox says
August 28, 2020 at 11:54 amAlways in my heart. So many good times. R.I.H. ????????
Bessie Sparrow Trice says
August 28, 2020 at 2:46 pmLavern u was my best friend in 1grade -high school. I was so hurt when i hear about your passing. I know u are in a deep sleep like Jesus said, he will call u and u will awaken. I will see u in paradise on earth. Sincerely love u. Bessie Sparrow Trice.
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