Laverne Donley

Laverne Donley, age 102, passed away very peacefully, Saturday, September 6, 2025, in her home in Bainbridge, Georgia. Services for Mrs. Donley will be held Thursday, September 11, 11:00 am, in the Cadwell Chapel of Cox-Ivey Funeral Home. Rev. Hoyt Donley and Rev. Andy Messer will officiate. The service will conclude in the chapel. A private interment will be held in County Line Cemetery, Baker County, Georgia.

Laverne Kelley was born September 15, 1922, to Jessie James Kelley and Ona Moore Kelley in Baker County, Georgia, where she grew up. In 1942 she married William Hilton Donley. She and Hilton soon moved to Decatur County, where they made their home. Laverne was all about her family. They were her heart. She was a wonderful cook. She made the best coconut cake you will ever eat, not to mention the creamed corn, pot roast, and everything else she put on the table. The quilts she made were treasures. She enjoyed quilting and put much love into each item. She was strong willed and strong in character. A loving, kind person that never said a bad word about anyone. Mrs. Donley was a member of West Street Baptist Church. This sweet lady will be deeply missed by her family and many, many friends.

Laverne Kelley Donley is survived by her children, Melvin Donley, Margie Kirkland, Bobby Donley, Barbara Crittenden, and Judy Daniels; her siblings, Jeanette McDaniel and Andrew Lee Kelley; her grandchildren, Greg Donley, Leighanne Wright, Brandon Kirkland (Tara), Jessica Tennyson (Lee), William Anthony Perkins (Erica), Michelle Smith (Lance), Stephanie Hand (Wayne), and Adam Daniels; 15 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

The family wishes to thank Gentiva Hospice for their kind care of Mrs. Donley.
Online condolences may be sent at www.coxiveyfuneralhome.com. Cox-Ivey Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.