Cushing- Willie Laverne Dempsey, born December 2nd 1939 to Lola & Grady Birdwell of Cushing, Texas. Married Elmer E. Dempsey September 9, 1953. They were married 63 years, and lived most of their lives in Cushing. She is survived by 8 children: Brenda Knight of Cushing, Betty Hitchcox of Fort Smith, AR, Billy Dempsey of Cushing, Buford Dempsey of Cushing, Barbara Lawrence of Garland, TX, Bobby Dempsey of Cushing, Melba Smith of Rusk, TX, and James Dempsey of Cushing. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Laverne was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer, on June 10, 2016. Pallbearers will be: Ricky Knight, Chris Dempsey, Danny Mesa, Clifton Dempsey, Keith Delafield, Terry Thomas, Alfred Davis (Cotton), Richard Johnson. There will be a visitation service Sunday night from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Dickie Allen Funeral Home in Cushing. The funeral will be held at Dickie Allen Monday morning at 10:00, with a graveside service to follow. She is loved by all, and will be missed tremendously, but is now dancing in the streets of Heaven.