Lavern Best

LaVern Robinson Best, age 88 of Erie, passed away peacefully with family members by her side on August 15, 2017 at Independence Court of Erie.  She was born in Erie, on May 6, 1929, a daughter of the late Clarence and Loretta McKnight Robinson.

LaVern was a 1947 graduate of Strong Vincent High School and went on to work for Sherwin Williams Paints.  She married William “Bill” L. Best in 1949, and soon after they became charter members of Elmwood Presbyterian Church. She then worked as an executive secretary at the Erie Resistor Company, later known as Erie Technical Products.  After retirement, she was employed as the office manager for Thomas Freeman Architects.

LaVern loved to go out for lunch and play trivia with her friends.  At Christmas time, you could find her baking cookies, especially pizzelles and cut-outs, and crocheting “scrubbies.”  She was an excellent seamstress, sewing everything from dresses for little girls to a man’s tailored suit.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 55 years, William L. Best; her sister, Audrey and her husband Axell Gardner and brother in law and sister in law, Clarence and Lillian Curry.

LaVern is survived by her daughter, Willetta Best and her grandson, Nicholas Sima. She is also survived by four nieces, Judith Newlin, Lorel Swanson, Cathi Mitchell and Cheryl Mellin and several great nieces and nephews

Friends may call at the Burton Funeral Home, 602 W. 10^th St., Erie, on Friday, August 18^th at 3:00 p.m. until the time of service at 5:00 p.m.  Burial will be private at Laurel Hill Cemetery.   

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Asera Care, 1600 Peninsula Drive, Erie, PA 16505.  Send condolences at www.Burtonfuneralhome.com.