Laverne McZilkey

Laverne McZilkey, 89, beloved mother, grandmother, family matriarch, and cherished friend, passed away July 10, 2026. Funeral Services will be conducted Wednesday morning at 11 o’clock in the Posey Funeral Chapel with Dr. Paul W. Noe officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service from 10 until 11 o’clock. Laverne was born on December 4, 1936, in Augusta, Georgia, to the late Heyward Lee Johnson and Ada Louise Swindell Johnson. Raised in Augusta, Laverne graduated from Richmond Academy. Laverne was raised in the Baptist faith at Woodlawn Baptist Church in Augusta, GA. For more than 53 years, Laverne made her home in Belvedere, SC, where she became known for her warm hospitality and welcoming spirit. Her home was a place where family and friends gathered to celebrate holidays and life's special occasions. A wonderful cook, she found great joy in preparing meals that brought loved ones together around the table, creating memories that will be treasured for generations. Laverne had a passion for dancing, was an avid reader and had a deep love for the beach, where she found peace and happiness in the sound of the waves and the warmth of the sun. Strong, independent, and resilient, Laverne faced life's challenges with determination and grace. Those who knew her best often described her as a spirited "spitfire"—a woman with a sassy wit, and a friendly personality that made her impossible not to love. Above all else, Laverne treasured her family. Whether sharing a holiday meal, a day at the beach, or simply enjoying each other's company, she found her greatest happiness in the time spent with those she loved Her legacy is one of independence, strength, generosity, laughter and unconditional love. In addition to her parents, Laverne was preceded in death by her husband Tony McZilkey; a son, Joseph Wayne Reynolds; a brother, Rudy Johnson; and a sister, Elga Sturkie. Surviving family member left to cherish her memory include her daughters, Anne Reynolds, Debbie Burckhalter (Joe), and Susan Reynolds (William Mathis); her siblings, Faye Bernardi, Richard Johnson (Charlotte), Melvis Powell (Hartwell), Janice Bennett (Mike), and Sarah Johnson; her grandchildren, Mark Meeks Jr. (Sophia), Steven Sanders, and Patrick Sanders; and a great-grandchild, Lily Grace Meeks. Pallbearers will be Mark Meeks Jr., Steven Sanders, Patrick Sanders, William Mathis, Joe Burckhalter, and Mike Bennett. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org Posey Funeral Directors of North Augusta is in charge of arrangements (803)278-1181.

Laverne McZilkey

December 4, 1936 - July 10, 2026