Laverne Sebastian

Laverne Benton Sebastian, 81, of Little Rock, passed away November 12, 2009. She was born November 12, 1928 in Rose Bud, Arkansas to Willis (Bill) Benton and Ethel Haney Benton, who preceded her in death, along with her husband, James A. Sebastian and her brother, Bobby Dee Benton.
She is survived by a nephew, Bobby K. Benton (Lani) and a niece, Elizabeth L. Benton; sisters-in-law, Wilma Benton Jackson, Ruby Lenox, Ludean Duck, Elizabeth Sebastian and Audrey Lawson; and brother-in-law, Leland Sebastian.
Laverne graduated from Searcy High School and attended Eaton Beauty College. After working for a few years as a hairdresser, she taught cosmetology at Eaton's, James School of Beauty and Mills High School of Cosmetology. She was a member of the Arkansas Hairdressing Association, where she served on the board, a member of the Hair Fashion Committee, serving as Styles Director for a term and she was very active in the local affiliate of Hairdressing. In 1974, she was chosen the Arkansas Hairdresser of the Year.
Laverne was very competitive, involving her students in entering hairdressing contests. She and her co-worker, Ida Duggins, along with their students won many awards in skills and leadership contests. She took an active part in the vocational program, serving on the board.
She was a member of Capitol City Freewill Baptist Church for 35 years where she taught Sunday School and belonged to the Women Active for Christ. "It has been a great life," she said, "but the best is yet to come."
Services will be at 11:00 a.m. this morning, Saturday at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.), Little Rock, officiated by Rev. Harold Claassen, followed by burial at Oak Grove Cemetery in Searcy. The family will greet friends at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until time of the service.
Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. Laverne's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com