Vernel "Lavern" Grace Petrie

Vernel "Lavern" Grace Petrie, of Farmington, Missouri, entered eternal rest at her home on July 13, 2025, at the age of 89. She was born on September 15, 1935, in Bonne Terre, Missouri, the eighth child of Charles and Grace (Miller) Hollinger.

Lavern is survived by her devoted husband of 72 years, Lloyd Petrie; her beloved children, Ricky Lloyd (Diana) Petrie of Abilene, TX, Roger Lee (Tammy) Petrie of Fresno, CA, and Lance (Jennifer) Petrie of Farmington; cherished grandchildren, Ricky Lloyd Petrie, Jr., Benjamin Eric (Stefanie) Petrie, Jameson Cody (Faye) Petrie, Sunny Cherie' (Ben) Drury, Amos Lance Petrie, Caleb Ryan (Katie) Petrie, and Justus (Bailey) Petrie.

She was a proud great-grandmother to Ethan William Petrie, Emma Claire Petrie, Parker Ian Petrie, Emerson Rizzo Petrie, Braylin Kodi Petrie, Asher Graham Drury, Greenlee Shay Rose Drury, Kobe Amos Petrie, Dannalei Heaven Pyeatt, Asher Lance Petrie, Layla Mae Petrie, Ryder Ryan Petrie, and Josie Rae Petrie; and great-great-grandmother to Oakley Nickole Petrie and Lakelynn Nickole Petrie. She is also survived by her sister, Joyce “Judy” Darlene Hollinger, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, great great nieces and great great nephews, other extended family, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Harry Leon Hollinger, Lindell Ray Hollinger, Herld Weldon Fermin Hollinger, Irma Jean Hollinger-Mitchell, Arleta Ruth Hollinger-Porter, William Donald Hollinger, and Clyde Warner Hollinger.

Lavern was raised on her parent’s 120-acre family farm. After marrying Lloyd, the couple lived in St. Louis and surrounding areas before settling in Farmington in 1972, where they built their home on land purchased by Lloyd's aunts and uncles.

A woman of faith and service, Lavern was a long-time member of First Free Will Baptist Church, where she once taught Sunday School. She worked at the glass factory in Flat River, served as Secretary for Three Rivers Cemetery, and lovingly cared for numerous family members and friends in their final days.

Lavern deeply loved her family, prayed for them daily, and her greatest hope was for each of them to know and follow Christ. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and compassion that will be missed dearly.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cozean Memorial Chapel. A second visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, July 18, followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. at First Free Will Baptist Church, officiated by Reverend Roger Hogan. Interment will follow at Three Rivers Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Three Rivers Cemetery, 20865 State Route EE, Farmington, MO 63640 or First Free Will Baptist Church, 305 West Columbia Street, Farmington, MO 63640. Condolences may be shared online at cozeanfuneralhome.com.