Lavern Costen-Cain

Lavern Costen-Cain, was born on October 2, 1934, to the late Justine Raiford and Charles C. Webb, Sr. in Columbus, GA Lavern grew up in the West Philadelphia area and was educated in the Philadelphia public school system. She attended and graduated from West Philadelphia High School. Soon after graduation, she met and married Robert L. Costen, Sr. From this union 6 children were born; Robert Jr., Anthony, Linda, Justine, Gregory, and Robin. Sometime later, she met and married someone incredibly special, William Cain, Jr. From this union William Cain, III was born. Earlier in life, Lavern worked at Bryn Mawr College for 10 years. When she left there and started working at London, Harness & Cable Corp. assembling cables for the military for 15 years. Lavern and William Jr. decided they wanted a change and moved to his hometown of New Waverly, TX where William Cain III was born. In Texas, she worked at Conoco Philips where she was the manager for 9 years. During that time, she won employee of the year 3 separate times. She was in competition with employees from the entire state of Texas. We were sooooo proud!!!! After a decade in Texas, Lavern was ready to move back home with her children and grandchildren. She returned to work at Bryn Mawr College as Head Equipment Technician and retired in July 2004 after a combined 30 years of service. Before retirement, Lavern and Auntie Joan would take their children and grandchildren to Wildwood every summer, religiously! During retirement, she enjoyed travelling, spending time with her sister Geraldine and lounging in the “Chat Room” with her friends. Lavern was preceded in death by her husband, William Cain Jr.; (parents) Justine and Charles Webb, Sr.; 5 siblings, (brothers) Sonny, Clarence, James, Camren, and (sister) Geraldine; (3 sons) Robert Jr., Anthony, and Gregory, and (daughter), Robin,; (Grandchildren) Michael Sr, Vern Jr.; (Great Grandchildren) Marquis and Shawn; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephew. She leaves to cherish her memories, children Linda McNeffer (John), Justine Holley (Vern) and son William Cain, III (Latasha); Grandchildren (18); Great Grandchildren (53); Great-Great Grandchildren (46); and a host of Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins; (Brother-in-Law) George and (Sister-in-Law) Lillie. Her special friends: Ruth Walker, Sherrie Ostrosf and Desiree Price And her best friend forever and ever, Joan Clark.

Lavern Costen-Cain

October 2, 1934 - October 9, 2023