Laverne "Verne" Giddens Reynolds, age 96, went home on October 9, 2026. Born on February 3, 1930, Verne spent most of her life in Bleckley County, a place that remained closely tied to her family, her church, and the many people whose lives she touched through steady acts of care and service.

Laverne was a 1947 graduate of Cochran High School. She was a homemaker and was retired from L&H Shirt Factory. Throughout her life, she was known for helping others in practical and generous ways. She volunteered to cut hair, sew clothing, drive friends to appointments, and do whatever she could to assist family and friends in need. These simple and meaningful acts formed an important part of her daily life and reflected the way she chose to care for those around her.

Her faith was central to her life. Laverne loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as well as her family and friends, and she was a devout member of Oak Grove Primitive Baptist Church. Church was an important part of her life, and she was often seen attending with her family. Her commitment to faith and to those around her remained evident throughout the years.

Laverne’s life was her children, Mike (Ann) Reynolds of Warner Robins and Debbie (Gary) Reynolds Arnold of Cochran. She also leaves three grandsons, Travis (Norma) Reynolds of Omaha, Nebraska, Kyle (Jess) Arnold of Cochran, and Luke (Cassie) Arnold of Cochran; and four great-grandsons, Brody Arnold of Cochran, Henry Reynolds of Omaha, Bo Arnold of Cochran, and Blaine Arnold of Cochran.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Reynolds; her parents, Melvin and Lola Barlow Giddens; and her sister, Sue Giddens Skipper.

Laverne was one of a close family of sisters and a brother who were often seen shopping, dining, and attending church together. The sisters were known as the “Giddens” girls because they looked so much alike. Her siblings were Faye Giddens Benson, Jenny Giddens Thomas, Dorthy Giddens Rowland, Melvin "Sonny" (Marcie) Giddens, Elizabeth Giddens DeLoach, and Sue Giddens Skipper, deceased. They all resided in Bleckley County. Verne also loved her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives dearly.

As Mom, Grandmom, Great Grandmom, and sister, Verne will be dearly missed and always loved and remembered by those who knew her.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on October 11, 2026, at Oak Grove Primitive Baptist Church, 116 Hwy 126 E, Cochran, GA 31014. The funeral service will begin at 3:00 p.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oak Grove Primitive Baptist Church, 116 Hwy 126 E, Cochran, GA 31014, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or by phone at 800-805-5856.