Hattie LaVerne Gilson, 89, of Valparaiso, IN, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Aviva Assisted Living. She was born October 24, 1936, in Herod, IL, the daughter of the late Archie and Maudie (Oxford) Baldwin. LaVerne was a loving and devoted homemaker for her family while she was raising her children. She later worked at JCPenney in the Southlake Mall as a supervisor in the jewelry department, a job which brought LaVerne great satisfaction as she was able to share her love of fashion and jewelry with others. LaVerne enjoyed attending Valley Baptist Church in Valparaiso, and had a passion and talent for crocheting and making baskets. LaVerne was well-loved and deeply cherished by her friends and family, and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
On May 21, 1960, LaVerne married Robert James Gilson, who preceded her in death in 1993. She is survived by their son, Rick (Beverly) Gilson of Hamlet, IN; daughter, Susan (Frank) Gilson-Dyer of Chesterton, IN; stepson, James (Erin) Gilson of Crown Point, IN; stepdaughter, Kathryn (Dan) Sytsma of Wheatfield, IN; sister, Delma Belford of Riverview, FL; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her stepchildren: Laura De Larbre, Patricia Pozatek, and Roberta Johnson; and granddaughters: Taren Abair and Sarah Aimutis.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Elmwood Cemetery, 1413 169th Street, Hammond, IN. Please meet directly at the cemetery office where a formal processional line will be formed and taken to the graveside together. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in LaVerne’s name to Dunes Hospice.
GUESTBOOK
Aunt Laverne (Bernie) as we called her was a very special Aunt to me and my children. She was funny, silly and told everyone I was her shopping buddy. Everytime I saw her I would take her out to shop, any where she wanted to go. She will be missed tremendously. Love you Aunt Bernie, -Patti Graham Brewer Rohrs
We as kids called her Aunt Bernie because we could not pronounce LaVerne. She has always been Aunt Bernie to me. I remember as a small child at grandma and grandpa Baldwin's house listening to all the conversation around the kitchen table with coffee and all the sister gathered around. Grandma would be making her famous German Chocolate cake and frying up squirrel meat that grandpa and Uncle Windell brought home from hunting. I remember the home movies in the basement and I remember Aunt Bernie always telling jokes. She was fun and I love her! Rest in peace Aunt Bernie. -Vick Bolach
