Source: http://www.sunsetodessa.com/services.asp?page=odetail&id=23090&locid=37

Ethel “Mackie” LaVerne Myrick
March 20, 1930 - April 6, 2012

Ethel LaVerne (Slaughter) Myrick, known to all who loved her as “Mackie” was called home to Heaven on Friday, April 6, 2012, after a long battle with Alzheimer's.

Born on March 20, 1930 Gilbert, Louisiana to Ethel Rosalee Hatten Slaughter and husband Louis Slaughter, she was one of two children born to them. LaVerne married her loving husband, Bill Myrick of 63 years on October 18, 1947; they have lived in Odessa since about 1950.

She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents and her brother, LaMoyne Slaughter. She is survived by two sons; Martin Myrick of San Diego, CA; Billy R. Myrick and wife Carol of Eastland, Tx; one daughter, Bellinda Barnett and husband Tom of Leander, Tx. and by 7 grandchildren: Morgan Myrick of Wylie, Tx; Chase Myrick and wife Cristina of Rowlett, Tx; Mackenzie Ross and husband Ryan of Wylie, Tx; Will Myrick of Los Angeles, Ca; Max Myrick of Los Angeles, Ca; Beau Barnett and Tom Barnett, both of Leander, Tx. as well as three great grandchildren; Jackson Ross, London Ross, and Christian Myrick.

LaVerne was raised in Forrest, Louisiana where she graduated high school and played basketball. She was a member of the 1947 Louisiana State Women's Basketball Championship Team. While living in Odessa, Mackie developed a huge interest in photography. She attended photography classes at Odessa College for more than two years and even had “Paw Paw” build her own dark room inside their home. Mackie took and developed her own photographs of her grandchildren, but also of birds and nature in general.

She traveled throughout West Texas and Eastern New Mexico with “Paw Paw” as he emceed Bluegrass shows throughout the region. She especially enjoyed spending time with the many friends that she got to know during those times.

Mackie was a much beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend who will be missed by all. We know we will see her again, when time comes for us all to cross Heaven's door step. Until then, we simply say WE LOVE YOU, WE MISS YOU ALREADY and our lives will have a huge void without you here.

LaVerne and husband Bill were members of the First Baptist Church in Odessa for many years. She is to be buried, next to her husband, at the Sunset Memorial Gardens in Odessa following a graveside service there at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 7, 2012, with Rev. Curtis Brewer of First Baptist Church officiating.