A LaVerne Yee

February 28, 1939 - September 26, 2020

Adrienne LaVerne Yee February 28, 1939 – September 26, 2020 LaVerne Yee of Tampa, FL, age 81, passed away at home on September 26, 2020 with her loving husband, Dr. Charles Yee, by her side. Born in 1939 in Pittsburg, PA, LaVerne was the oldest child of Dr. Leon Waddy, Sr. and Mabel Jones Waddy. She graduated from Westinghouse High School, and attended Howard University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. While at Howard she met the love of her life, Charlie. Their courtship and marriage would last over 60 years, and their devotion to one another over the decades was unyielding. Together they raised four children and experienced the joy as grandparents to their seven grandchildren. As equally committed as LaVerne was as a wife, mother, and grandmother, she was strongly devoted to her Christian faith her entire life. One of her most meaningful life decisions was to convert to Catholicism in 1994. She was an active member in her local Catholic parish where she volunteered as a greeter for many years. LaVerne will be remembered for her artistic and musical talents. For decades she filled the family home with her beautiful piano playing. She loved the classic standards, which amazingly she could play by ear as recently as nine months before her passing. She was a master knitter and skilled jewelry smith. She outfitted the entire family in intricately patterned sweaters and hats, made hand-knit Christmas stockings, and volunteered to knit countless infant sweaters and caps for new mothers in need. She handcrafted hundreds of pieces of silver and gold jewelry that were most treasured gifts among family members and friends. Everything LaVerne created was always done with great thoughtfulness, care, and love. LaVerne will also be remembered for her joyful laugh and smile; her compassionate, empathetic and gentle heart that loved so large and unconditionally; her love of crossword puzzles, gadgets, and nature’s creatures big and small; and most of all, as a devoted, loving, caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who made each of our lives immeasurably richer for all that she gave to us. She is survived by her husband Charles Yee; daughters Gia Yee-Lozicki and Shelly Yee; sons Dave (Andrea) and Keir Yee; grandchildren Alyson and Michael, Jr. Lozicki, Megan (Joakim) Lozicki-Larson, Davison (Erika) and Holden (Melissa) Yee, North and Sage Yee; and siblings, Edward Waddy (Marlene), and Carole Henderson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Mabel Waddy, and her brother, Leon Waddy, Jr. (Janis). A funeral service will take place on Thursday, October 1, 2020, 10:00 am, at the Sunset Funeral Home, Thonotosassa, FL. Due to Covid-19 concerns, it will be a small gathering of immediate family members only.