There was one episode in which LaVerne had a friend visit from her rural area where she grew up. The friend takes a negative attitude towards what she perceives as how LaVerne has changed, or has forgotten her roots, or something to that effect. I don't know what season it aired or who played the friend, so I didn't find it here. I thought a fan of the show would know. Thanks.
"Well, for once the rich white man is in control!" C. M. Burns
The only episode I recall with a childhood friend of Laverne's happens in the final season. I don't recall his name but if my memory serves me correctly he's actually a doctor. The two end up falling for each other and they get married in the series finale.
I'm not sure if this is the ep you are referring to though. It wouldn't surprise me at all if there had been an earlier ep where a childhood friend of hers comes to visit.
No, that's definitely not it. The friend was female.
Yhamks for letting me know how the show ended, though. I must have stopped watching shortly after Carol got pregnant, Sophia from TGG started wandering in, and they worked at that inner city clinic with Marsha Warfield.
"Well, for once the rich white man is in control!" C. M. Burns
2½ years later, I found it. The episode is called Everything But Love. (Posting in case anyone stumbles onto this topic.)
"Well, for once the rich white man is in control!" C. M. Burns