LaVerne Catlett Forrest, 73, of Gloucester, transitioned peacefully into eternal rest on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
She was born on September 20, 1952, to the late John R. Catlett and Flossie Diggs Catlett.

LaVerne grew up in the Hayes area and attended Gloucester County Public Schools. During her high school years, she was a highly competitive athlete who played field hockey, softball, and basketball. After high school, LaVerne attended Norfolk State University, where she continued to demonstrate her athletic prowess on the basketball team.

After graduating from Norfolk State, she returned to Gloucester and began teaching health and physical education. LaVerne taught in the Gloucester County Public School system for 35 years and had the opportunity to teach at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Following her retirement in June 2021, LaVerne devoted a significant amount of her time and energy to volunteering in her church and other community organizations. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Ordinary, where she served as Treasurer for many years. She was also a charter member of the Epsilon Eta Chapter of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority Inc., a member of the Irene Morgan Scholarship Fund, and a member of the Gloucester Retired Teachers Association. When she was not volunteering in the community, LaVerne could usually be found supporting her grandchildren at their academic and athletic events.

LaVerne will be deeply missed. She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Stefen Forrest and VaKara Forrest; two granddaughters, Jaidyn Forrest and Joelle Forrest; one grandson and “best friend,” Benjamin Forrest; two sisters, Karen Garrett and Patricia Catlett; one niece, Albany Garrett; one nephew, Troy Garrett; one great-niece, Jouri Garrett, and a host of extended relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Ware River Yacht Club, 5992 Ware Point Road, Gloucester, Va. 23061.