By Edgar on October 19th, 2016

    LaVerne Martinez Longoria, 89, was born on May 1, 1927 in Zwolle. She passed away on October 4, 2016. Funeral services were held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on October 10. Internment followed at St. Joseph Cemetery. She was a lifetime resident of Zwolle and a homemaker. La-Verne was happiest when cooking and cleaning. She enjoyed cooking pots of red pepper soup and chicken and dumplings for her family and friends. LaVerne was preceded in death by husband, Luther Longoria; twin daughters, Mary and Ann Longoria; parents, Wesley and Sarah Martinez; brother, James Martinez; brother-inlaw, Steve Longoria; special niece, Brenda Campbell; and sistersin-law, Lucy Cartinez and Catherine Bebee. She is survived by son, Mark A. Longoria Sr. of Benton; daughter, Lou Nita Rivers and husband, Ben Henry of Bossier City; brothers, Wesley Martinez Jr. and wife, Linda of Coushatta and Billy Ray Martinez of Zwolle; brother-in-law, Willie Laroux of Jasper, Texas; grandsons, Wilton Rivers and wife, Angie of Benton Arkansas, Jeffrey Rivers and wife, Kristin of Bossier City, Mark A. Longoria Jr., and Daniel Longoria of Las Vegas, Nevada; great grandchildren, Amanda Dodson, Jennifer Bridges, Alysah Rivers, Joshua Rivers and Taylor; a very dear special friend, Juanita Manshack of Noble; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Honoring LaVerne as pallbearers were Wayne Ezernack, Tootsie Roll Meshell, Hottie Remedies, Bob Parrie, Sylvester Martinez and Alvin Martinez. Honorary pallbearers were Wilton Rivers, Jeffrey Rivers, Mark A. Longoria Jr., Daniel Longoria, Joshua Rivers, Steve Bebee and Steve R. Longoria. Laverne will be sadly missed by all her family and by all who knew and loved her. The family extends special thanks to Monsignor Provenza and Father Norsworthy; all the pallbearers; ushers, Stanley Garcia and Pie Martinez; lector, Connie Martinez; Eucharistic ministers, Henrietta Bryant and Judy Garcia and Charlene Leone who lead the Rosary at Mama’s wake. Thanks to St. Helen’s circle for providing food and serving at the luncheon after Mama’s funeral. We appreciate all the mass money and the kindness shown to all of our family.