LaVerna Lee Sanders Fullmer passed peacefully from this mortal probation on 18 January 2026, at the age of 93, in Payson, Utah. Following hip surgery in September 2025, she worked diligently to regain her strength and was making steady progress until contracting the flu in October. Though her body weakened, her spirit did not. In her final weeks, LaVerna gently relinquished the fight, ready to move forward and be reunited with those she loves.
LaVerna was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a faithful covenant daughter of our Heavenly Father.
She was born on 23 September 1932, in Arlington, Texas, the only child of Albert Sanders and Lois Lucille Carroll Sanders. Because her father built homes in California, Arizona, and Texas, the family moved frequently, though most of LaVerna’s early school years were spent in Texas. She attended elementary and middle school in Odessa and Arlington and graduated from Arlington High School in 1950, where she proudly served as Drum Major during her junior and senior years. She later attended Arlington State College.
On 14 September 1951, LaVerna married Don Harrison Powell in Dallas, Texas. Though that marriage later ended in divorce, three children were born to them: Don, Cindy, and Viki.
On 25 June 1964, LaVerna married Jack Dwaine Fullmer, beginning a partnership defined by faith, service, and deep devotion. Jack brought two sons into their marriage: Allan and Jeff.
Introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Jack, LaVerna embraced the gospel through missionary discussions and baptism. Her faith became a cornerstone of her life. In time, her three children also followed her example and entered the waters of baptism between 1968 and 1970. All five children were either born in the covenant or sealed to Jack and LaVerna in the temple, creating an eternal family united by sacred covenants.
LaVerna served faithfully in many callings throughout her life, including Relief Society president, Gospel Doctrine teacher, Young Women and Primary leader, and ward historian. She and Jack served for many years as temple ordinance workers in the Dallas Temple, a service she cherished deeply.
Gifted with remarkable talent, LaVerna was an accomplished seamstress and cross-stitch artist. She lovingly taught many how to sew and was known far and wide for her generosity, often donating both her time and resources to those in need. She created countless dresses and gowns for friends and family, including beautiful wedding dresses for her daughters and some granddaughters – each stitch an expression of love.
LaVerna delighted in classic movies and musicals from the 1930s through the 1970s. She had a lifelong affection for animals, especially elephants, as well as the many beloved family pets who brought her joy.
Her family is eternally grateful for many of the choices LaVerna made throughout her life. Choices of marriage, motherhood, education, hard work, faithful church service, and a covenant relationship with her Heavenly Father. Through her example and unwavering support, all five of her children were able to serve full-time missions, (one much later in life), a legacy of faith that continues through generations.
LaVerna was joyfully welcomed through the veil by her eternal companion, Jack Dwaine Fullmer; her parents, Albert and Lois Sanders; her son Allan Dwaine Fullmer (Debra Reynolds Fullmer); her son-in-law John Kent Bergener (Cindy Fullmer Bergener); and two grandsons, Timothy Brice Vickery and Michael Jason Fullmer.
She is survived by four children: Don David Fullmer (Sonya Hersom Fullmer) of Forney, Texas; Cindy Fullmer Bergener of Roanoke, Texas; Viki Fullmer Martineau (David) of Spanish Fork, Utah; and Jeffrey Lynn Fullmer (Karen Fry Fullmer) of Chandler, Arizona; along with 24 beloved grandchildren and 32 cherished great-grandchildren.
LaVerna is deeply missed. Her family looks forward with hope and faith to the promised day when they will be reunited with her once again.
A visitation will be held in LaVerna’s honor on Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at Walker Funeral Home located at 187 South Main St., Spanish Fork, Utah. Her funeral service will immediately follow beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Interment will be at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.
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