Birth Date: 10/19/1942
Deceased Date: 12/27/2020
It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Laverne Blackley Lane of Smithfield. Laverne passed on unexpectedly at the age of 78 on December 27, 2020.
Born on October 19, 1942, Robert W. (D) and Loree S. Blackley (D) in Durham, North Carolina. She is survived by her son Jack and her beloved grandchildren, Mary Hannah and Jack.
Laverne graduated from East Carolina University with degrees in teaching and French language More importantly, she gained the life-long friendship of her Alpha Phi sorority sisters. Those sisters, actual and honorary, were an anchor and a blessing to her in so many ways throughout her life. The “girls” became the “The Ducks” in an homage to their delight in spending time together at the Outer Banks in her later years. Laverne was truly a beach girl at heart.
Laverne could easily be considered an icon in eastern North Carolina. As the owner and director of Lane Dance Academy in Smithfield for 40 years, Laverne was a positive influence on almost 7000 young dancers; giving them the confidence to achieve their dreams. While many of her former students have danced professionally from Broadway to Hollywood or have opened their own dance studios, most have been able to apply the lessons she taught to their chosen career paths and have made tremendous contributions in those fields. She was always so proud of her student’s accomplishments.
While she found success and joy in her professional and personal life, she was never happier than when she was with her grandchildren, Hannah and Jack. No one could have loved their family more than Mena did. Her grandchildren were so helpful and caring and loving to her and she spoke constantly of how lucky she was to have them in her life.
Her arrangements are being handled by Parrish Funeral Home in Selma, NC. A celebration of her life will be arranged at a later date due to COVID-19 circumstances. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Actors Fund or a charity of your choice, in her honor.
