MCCOMB — Services for Laverne Crosby Cowart, 85, of Franklin County, who died Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009, at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb, were Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, at Catchings Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Kenny Hart officiating.

Burial followed at Woodlawn Cemetery in Summit under the direction Catchings Funeral Home in McComb.

Mrs. Cowart was born Feb. 22, 1924, in McComb, the daughter of Audie Johnson Crosby and Rose Mary Deppiesse Crosby.

Mrs. Cowart was retired from BellSouth where she worked in the Public Relations Division. She was a member of Adams United Methodist Church and a member of the Order of Eastern Star. She was also a member of the BellSouth Telephone Pioneers of America.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Elijah Harold Cowart; and one brother, Charles William Crosby Sr.

Survivors include four nieces, Jan Allred of Vidalia, Ginny Avara and Terry Russ, both of Natchez, and Sauncee Huff of Ocean Springs; two nephews, Joe Spencer of Jackson and Bill Crosby of Natchez; a number of great-nieces and nephews; great-great-nieces and nephews; and two very special and faithful sitters, Lunie Boyd and Jodie Cloy.

Pallbearers were Audie Crosby, Larry Huff, Rudy Avara, Neil Huff, Austin Huff and Shan Hilbun.