LaVerne Deer Mote of McComb, Affectionately known as "Gom" by family and friends, passed away, October 14, 2017, at the age of 81. Mrs. Mote was born on August 22, 1936, in Pike County, and was a graduate of Fernwood High School. She and her late husband, William A. Mote, Sr., co-owned and operated William Mote Agency, Inc. in McComb, from 1969 until their retirement. Prior to working alongside her husband, she worked for FC&G Railroad, B&HS Railroad, Jay-Bee Company, and Stickney Construction Co. She was a member of the Dixie Chapter of Professional Secretaries, the Southwest MS Realtors Association, the MS Association of Realtors, the National Association of Realtors and UCT. Mrs. Mote was a devout Christian and a very devoted member of Navilla Baptist Church in McComb, where she served in a number of ministries. Her love for helping children and youth grow in their faith is evident in her many years of service as a Youth Training Union teacher, YWA leader and a Bible drill leader. She and her husband gladly chaperoned many youth trips. Her home was always open to the children and youth from church to come for games, food, or just to have a welcome place to be. She also served Navilla as Sunday school secretary, and was a member of the adult choir. Additionally, she served as Prayer Coordinator with the Pike County Baptist Association. Her love of children carried forward to her involvement in McComb High School. She and her husband were actively involved in school activities, particularly during the years their children were students there. Mrs. Mote was a past member and president of McComb High School Band Boosters and Choir Boosters. Mrs. Mote is preceded in death by her husband of 52 Years, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter J. Deer; brothers, Walter Deer, Jr., Fred Deer, Louis Deer, Gilbert Earl Deer, Lee Deer, Carl Deer, Gene Deer, Harold Deer, and a sister, Myrtle Bellow. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Ansel and Lynn Mote of Brookhaven; daughter and son-in-law, Alison and William Pannell of McComb; a granddaughter, Emily Mote of Tupelo, MS; sister and brother-in-law, Lois and John Barclay; brother and sister-in-law, Jimmy and Lexine Deer; sisters-in-law, Carol Deer, Gill Deer, Virginia Deer, Euna Deer, Susan Deer, and Jeanne Mote; brother-in-law, Albert Mote and wife, Glenda, and numerous nieces and nephews, each which held a special place in her heart. Additionally she is survived by very special friends, Michelle Bruss of McComb and Allyson Brogan Bracken of New Jersey. Visitation will be Tuesday, October 17, 2017, from 5PM - 7:30PM at Navilla Baptist Church. Visitation will continue Wednesday, October 18, 2017, at 10AM until services at 11AM in the sanctuary of the church. Interment will take place at the Church cemetery immediately following services under the direction of Sharkey Funeral Home in Summit. Pallbearers are Dwayne Deer, Jeff Deer, Kipp Jenkins, Albert Johnson, Carl Linton, Cliff Mote, Mike Mote, and Matthew Wilson. Honorary pallbearers are her great-nephews.