Louise LaVerne Toney

LaVerne was born May 5, 1949, in a family home in Chester South Carolina to Wallace and Estelle Hayes. Buffalo NY is where Laverne and her younger brother Larry were raised. LaVerne attended and graduated from the University of Iowa. LaVerne met James Toney, they relocated to Las Vegas and became husband and wife in December of 1977. Laverne became a mother in 1979 with Jason and 1981 with Michael.

Her professional journey is famously woven into the very fabric of American music history. Serving as a personal assistant, business manager to B.B. King. LaVerne was a steadfast pillar behind the blues icon. For 40 years she oversaw the day-to-day details of his demanding career so that he could share his art with the world.

Those who worked alongside her will remember LaVerne as a no-nonsense professional, a guardian of the blues, and someone who treated B.B. King and his touring family with deep respect.

Beyond her historic career with Mr. King, LaVerne’s greatest pride and most cherished roles were at home. She was a devoted and loving wife and mother to her two boys. Raising her sons while managing Mr. Kings career was a testament to her extraordinary energy, organization, and boundless love.

On May 23, 2026, Laverne took her last breath surrounded by her family during her homecoming transition. She is now joined with her Husband James, Mother Estelle, Father Wallace and Brother Larry.

She is survived by her two sons Jason and Michael Toney and their wives Rosemary and Brittney and her grandsons Devin, Justin, Gregory, Michael Jr and Nathan.

Visitation will be held from from 10am until 12pm, with a Funeral Service beginning at 12pm, all at Palm Southwest Mortuary, 7979 W. Warm Springs Rd., Las Vegas, Nevada.

A Committal Service will take place at Palm Northwest Cemetery, 6701 North Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89131, US, on June 3, 2026, beginning at 2pm.