Life is short even when you have been blessed with it for 97 years.  Tina LaVerne Gold after a lifetime of working with medicines and diseases lost her battle with Covid-19 on April 20, 2020. Our hearts are hurting because our love was great – yet those who belong to Jesus Christ have this great confidence – there is never a last goodbye – there is just gain!

Tina LaVerne Gold was born in Green Forest, Arkansas on Nov 30, 1922 to Wayne and Alta Lamb.  Growing up as an only child had its benefits when growing up in her father's large family before the Great Depression changed everything.  Her Grandfather William Lamb had a successful family business in Green Forest and Harrison.  William was quite involved in these communities and church where they attended.  It was good being part of the Lamb family.  Tina loved this time in her life and spoke of it often.  When the depression came her family was hit hard.  And the result was that her parents moved to Springfield.  Here they had family who worked for the Frisco Railroad and were more secure and were able to help. They attended Campbell United Methodist Church.

Life in Springfield was much different for Tina as a child.  Where there had been some status and security now there was not.  But Tina was blessed with excelling in her schoolwork and that brought her comfort. Tina graduated from Springfield High School (Central).  She continued on excelling in her studies at what is now Missouri State University.  Graduating with degrees in Chemistry, Microbiology and a Minor in French.  World War II had begun and being at the top of her class the Army solicited her to work at O'Reilly Army Hospital.  It was here that the Army first brought Penicillin to Springfield and brought it directly to Tina as Director of the Laboratory.  She told this account many times – the Army flew penicillin here under guard and how the soldiers brought this new wonder medicine directly to her and were to give it to no one but her.

It was around this time that Tina met Charles Elmore II, a young Lieutenant (6 ^th Armored Division). They married in 1945.  They lived for a time in Louisville, KY, and then at Fort Leonard Wood.  Before moving back to Springfield, MO where Tina would work as Director of Laboratories at St. John's (Mercy) and Burge Hospital (Cox North) and then as Director of the Laboratory of City Hospital (which would later eventually would become what we now know as the Greene County Health Department).

Tina and Charles had three children. They eventually divorced in 1957. As a single mom Tina continued to work and care for her children with the help of her parents. Her main goal at this time was to be sure that her children were in Church.  She was an active member at National Avenue Christian Church.

Tina was recognized by the City of Springfield as being the 1965 Business Woman of the Year.  She continued her education at Missouri State taking night classes eventually graduating with a Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling.

Tina married Gene Gold in 1971.  Tina retired from City Hospital.  She worked during this time at the Women's Clinic; she taught Chemistry and Laboratory Techniques at what is now Ozarks Technical College; she did private counseling; and also volunteered to work with families as a CASA volunteer.

Tina's final years were spent in the home of her daughter, Anne who lovingly cared for her Mom until it became necessary to have extended care.

Tina is preceded in death by her Parents Wayne and Alta Lamb and by a grandson, Joshua Gardner.

Tina is survived by her children:  Charles Elmore (Kathleen), Anne Phillips, Jan Gardner Armitage (John). Grandchildren: David Elmore, Daniel Chapman, Jerica Gardner, Julie Lawson, Sarah High

Great Grandchildren: Makala, Jacob, Kera, and Ronald

A family graveside service will be held at Hazelwood Cemetery with

Michael Lacobee of River Stone Fellowship officiating.