The Laverne Gatewood Memorial Scholarship
A Legacy of Service, Love, and Dedication”
Honoring a Life of Grace and Service
Laverne Gatewood was a woman of undeniable grace, warmth, and quiet strength. Born on March 7, 1952, as the seventh of eleven siblings—considered the lucky one—she lived a life devoted to faith, family, and community service. On Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 6:10 p.m., Laverne peacefully departed this life at her home in Holly Springs, Mississippi, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come..
A Woman of Faith
Laverne confessed Christ at an early age and joined the Hudsonville C.M.E. Church, where she served faithfully until the Lord called her home. Her commitment to her church was unwavering—she served as president of the usher board until her retirement and was an active member of the Steward Board, Trustee Board, Usher Board, Missionary Society, Sunday School, Bible Class, Mass Choir, and the Kitchen Committee. Her spirit was loving, welcoming, and humble, yet she carried herself with natural authority and refinement that drew others to her faith.
A Mother’s Sacrifice, A Daughter’s Success
As a single mother, Laverne worked tirelessly to provide for her only daughter, ensuring she received the education and support needed to earn her doctorate in Finance. But Laverne’s maternal love didn’t stop with her own child—she became a mother figure to many, opening her heart and home to countless individuals who needed guidance, encouragement, and unconditional love.
A Heart for Service
A proud 1972 graduate of Sand Flat High School (now H.W. Byers), Laverne discovered her passion for cooking and serving others early in life. She began her career at Pete’s Barbeque in Holly Springs, MS, and went on to serve at Starlite for many years until her retirement. Her love for feeding and caring for others extended far beyond her profession—it was a calling that defined her entire life.
Her connection to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated began when her daughter became a member of Zeta Phi Beta at the University of Ole Miss in 1991, and later became a Charter Member of Psi Beta Zeta Chapter in Southaven in 2010, establishing a beautiful family legacy of service. Inspired by her daughter’s commitment, in February 2017, Laverne became a proud Charter Member of the Zeta Amicae of Southaven, Mississippi, serving as the Inaugural Vice President for two terms (2017–2021). She spearheaded the first Women’s Empowerment Tea in 2018 and was honored as Southaven’s first Zeta Amicae of the Year. Together, mother and daughter worked side by side through the bond between Zeta Phi Beta and its Amicae auxiliary—an unbroken chain of love, service, and commitment to community.
The Scholarship Mission
Service and Faith
The Laverne Gatewood Memorial Scholarship has been established to honor her legacy of service, dedication, and commitment to education. This scholarship will support deserving students who embody the values Laverne lived by: faith, service, perseverance, and a heart for helping others.
Education and Leadership
Just as Laverne invested in her daughter’s education and served as a mother to many, this scholarship will provide financial assistance to students pursuing higher education, particularly those who demonstrate a commitment to community service and leadership.
The Legacy
Your generous contribution will help continue Laverne’s legacy of empowering others through education. Every donation, large or small, will directly impact the lives of students who share her values of service, faith, and dedication.
Support the Scholarship Fund
Together, we can ensure that Laverne’s spirit of love and commitment lives on through the success of future scholars.