Laverne C (Courtney) Robinson

Laverne Courtney Robinson, 87 years, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2024, at the home of sons Theodore Robinson Jr and David Robinson in Shawnee Mission Kansas.

She was born on May 11, 1937, in Collins Arkansas. Her father preceded her in death at an early age and her mother Birdie Harris Courtney Allen.

LaVerne was baptized at an early age and was a faithful member at Christ Church of the New Covenant where she served as a do-er!  If something needed to get done everyone knew she would do her best to take care of it. She had several active roles in her church serving on various committees wherever she was needed and later in life became a member at Antioch Baptist Church.

LaVerne received her early education in the Kansas City Kansas school district and graduated from Sumner High School in 1955.  After high school, she attended Donnelly College in Kansas City Kansas where she received a Business Associate Degree in 1974.  She began developing her skills with tourism in the early 60’s while living in Hawaii and continued working in the field for over 50 years.

In 1991 she was the first African American woman to achieve Certified Tour Professional certification with the National Tour Foundation which is the highest level of professional recognition in the escorted tour industry. 

With her adventurous spirit for travel and infectious love for exploring she created The International Travel Club in the early 70’s and began promoting local, national and international travel destinations. LaVerne was recognized nationally for leading groups on tours traveling by motor-coach, train, cruise lines, and airplanes exquisitely designed for friends, families, senior citizens, universities and youth travelers.  Specifically targeting luxurious hotels, Historical sites, universities, museums, national institutions, cultural and national memorials as well as multiple exotic attractions. 

LaVerne was elected and served as President of the KCK Convention & Visitors Bureau from 1989 -1994 She worked with organizations, associations, churches, and businesses and brought regional, state and international events to the KCK area.

She was involved with multiple organizations and received numerous local, national and international awards for service such as:

*Travel coordinator for the (BTH&H Club) The Birthday Travel Health and Happiness Club, The Vernon Center, 

*Chairperson for the National Association of Retired Federal Employees 

*Concerned Girls and Women of Kansas City Kansas scholarship program 

*Girl Scouts adult volunteer in several states 

LaVerne shared the joys of parenthood and global travel with her husband Staff Sargent Theodore Jesse Robinson Sr during their 61 years of marriage, and into this union, 5 Fantastic children were born; Belinda Renae, Theodore Jesse Jr, Carol Renita, Ronald Roland, and David Russell which were all born in a different state due to military assignments

She was preceded in death by her husband, father, mother, brother and many other precious family members.

She leaves to celebrate her life her Fantastic Five children: daughter Belinda R Robinson Brown, son Theodore J Robinson Jr, daughter Carol R ( Pinzon, Smith) Robinson, son Ronald R. Robinson, son David R. Robinson, nine grandchildren Renita L. Brown., William D. Pinzon, Janeese R. Brown, DeAngela L. Robinson, Ashley M. Robinson, Jessica L. Robinson, Paisley S. Robinson, Adrain D. Robinson and two great-granddaughters Kyla J Brown, Ava N Pinzon a host of nieces, nephews relatives and friends.

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