REIDSVILLE, NC - Mrs. LaVerne Pritchett, age 63, passed away Monday, March 2, 2026 at Wesley Long Hospital in Greensboro, NC.

Public viewing will begin on Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 12 until 6 p.m. at McLaurin-Harris Funeral Home, 721 East Morehead Street, Reidsville, NC.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, March 8, 2026 from the Bluestone Missionary Baptist Church, 9892 NC-700, Pelham, NC. Visitation with the family will begin at 1:30 p.m., followed by the service at 2 p.m. Pastor Hamid Kamara will officiate and Dr. Roy L. Dennis, eulogist.

The committal and interment will follow in the Bluestone Baptist Church Cemetery, Pelham, NC.

All other times, the family will receive friends at the home daily from 1 until 6 p.m. (524 Staples Street, Reidsville, NC)

LaVerne Diane Pritchett, daughter of the late Dewey and Eliza Watlington, was born on August 5, 1962. She peacefully departed this life on Monday, March 2, 2026, ascending to her eternal rest and peace.

A native and lifelong resident of Rockingham County, LaVerne valued education and lifelong learning. She was a proud graduate of Rockingham High School, Class of 1980. She continued her academic journey at Fayetteville State University and later earned an Associate Degree in Accounting from Rockingham Community College. She also graduated from International Bible College, further deepening her spiritual foundation and commitment to her faith.

LaVerne dedicated many years of service working at Burlington Industries and Commonwealth Tobacco Company. After her years at Commonwealth, she sought a second career and began working as an EKG Technician at Cone Health's Heart & Vascular Center in Greensboro. She felt truly called to this work and dedicated herself to being a source of love and kindness, viewing her role as a ministry to those she served. She loved her work and found great joy in caring for others during vulnerable moments in their lives.

A faithful and devoted member of Bluestone Missionary Baptist Church, she served diligently as both an usher and trustee. She loved her church dearly and was known for her strong spiritual presence and gregarious personality. LaVerne leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering faith that will forever be cherished by those who knew her. She was deeply devoted to God and genuinely loved everyone she met.

In addition to her parents, Dewey and Eliza Watlington, she was preceded in death by her sister, Debbie Ann Simpson Peoples, and her brother, David Wayne Simpson.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory her devoted husband, Paul Pritchett Jr.; her daughters, Shenika Watlington (Lamont), Tasha Pritchett, and son, Derice Pritchett (Toya); her cherished grandchildren, Aprice Pritchett, Derice "DJ" Pritchett, and Bella Pritchett; her beloved granddog, Wizard; and her treasured godchildren, Trey Hutchings, Patience Lynn, and Jabreel Watlington. She is also survived by her sisters, Pearlie Ferrell, Juanita Simpson, Gloria Watlington, Denise Watlington (Willie), and Lisa Simpson; her brothers, Larry Watlington (Brenda), Michael Williams, Chris Watlington (Mickey), John Rollins and David Simpson (Cynthia); along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends, including Janice Glass, Elder Ella Pass, Roslyn Parker, Kenny Irving, and Teresa Nunnally.

LaVerne's impact as the matriarch of her family will continue to bless all who were encompassed by her love for life. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Service by McLaurin-Harris