Lydia Laverne (Boothe) Gallant

Lydia LaVerne Boothe Gallant, 94, of Ballinger, Texas, passed away Thursday, July 15, 2010 at Ballinger Healthcare and Rehab Center.
LaVerne was born near Ballinger October 14, 1915 to Richard Luna Boothe and Jessie Mae James Boothe. She attended Blanton and Crews Community Schools, then transferred to Ballinger High School and graduated in 1933. Following high school, LaVerne attended San Angelo School of Beauty and received a beautician’s license.
LaVerne’s grandparents came to Texas in the 1860’s and 1870’s moving to Runnels County in the early 1900’s. The Boothe Family and the James Family were among the first citizens of Runnels County.
LaVerne married Malone (Bud) Gallant on March 23, 1940 in Brownwood, Texas. Malone preceded her in death in 1992. LaVerne is survived by her children Martha Brown and husband, Bob; Archie Gallant and wife, Threcia; Gary Gallant and wife, Evanet all of Ballinger; and Betty Carden and husband, Danny of Adkins, Texas. Nine grandchildren also survive: Eric Seymore and wife, Ofie of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Tim Seymore and wife, Mandy of Jayton, Texas, Matt Seymore and wife, Dawni of El Paso, Texas, Gabe Seymore and wife, Kasia of San Antonio, Texas, Andrew Gallant and wife, Robyn of Tuscola, Texas, Adam Gallant and wife, Michelle of Wills Point, Texas, Amy Gallant of Ballinger, Nathan Gallant and wife, Betty Jo also of Ballinger, and Lance Gallant and wife, Melody of Weatherford, Texas; 31 grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Odessa Boothe, Maurine Cathcart, Myrlee Graves, Alma Cooper, Golda Haggard and husband, Leo, and a brother-in-law, M.F. Gallant, many cousins, nephews and nieces. LaVerne loved them all.
A long-time member of Seventh Street Baptist Church in Ballinger, LaVerne taught Sunday School for over 35 years, served as hospitality chairman for the church for 15 years, and held many offices in the Woman’s Missionary Union of the Southern Baptist Convention local organization.
LaVerne’s life was dedicated to her church, her husband, her children and to her large extended family. She worked alongside Malone in the family farming eneterprises and was employed for many years by Heidenheimer’s Department Store. She was unabashedly proud of her children and grandchildren. Quilting was a favorite activity for LaVerne. Each of her grandchildren has, as a special memory, a quilt which was hand sewn by their grandmother.
One of the greatest legacies that LaVerne leaves her family is the example of good, honest work to provide and care for her children and her husband.
Visitation time will be at Lange Funeral Home, Sunday, July 18, 6-8 p.m. Funeral Services will be held in Seventh Street Baptist Church, Monday, July 19, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Grandchildren will be the pallbearers.