LaVerne Harris

On March 24, 1956, Magnolia Green gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Laverne. However, a couple of years later, Magnolia passed away. Laverne was later adopted by a relative, Alice Wickham-Booker, and moved to Brooklyn, New York. She was baptized at 12 at the Evening Star Baptist Church, Brooklyn, N.Y. Laverne loved New York.

She was passionate about photography and attended the High School of Art and Design. During her time in New York, she gave birth to the love of her life, Crystal, and moved to Washington, D.C. where she met a soldier. Now she would say that she wouldn't marry a soldier, but faith had a different story. She met Tonny on the 7th of January 1983; the following year, on February 18th, they were married. For forty-one years, Laverne was the perfect example of a virtuous woman.

During those 41 years, she held several positions in childcare and logistics. She was the manager of an after-school care program in Texas and was responsible for shipping supplies to soldiers in Iraq during the First Gulf War while stationed in Germany. She would later retire from the Defense Commissary Agency, Fort Detrick, Maryland.

Laverne loved music, reading, shopping, and eating out with friends. Her times with Crystal brought her great joy. She was incredibly proud of her granddaughter Ashley's accomplishments. Her goddaughter, Tracy, would always put a smile on her face when she was in town. Laverne loved her God, family, and BFFs, Mimi Gilliard and Clairesse Jackson.

She was the President of the Deaconness ministry at First Missionary Baptist Church, a member of the Missionary ministry, and the Pastor's Aid. Laverne was also the President of the Condo Association for five years.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her: husband, Tonny Harris; daughter, Crystal Willis; granddaughter, Ashley Willis (Robert); goddaughter, Tracy Clapham (Carter); sister, Eunice Green; brother-in-law, Michael Harris; nephews, Clinton "Ronnie" Thomasson (Angie), Charles "Chuck" Thompson Jr. and Bryan Green; and a hosts of friends, cousins, great-nieces and nephews.

Laverne was preceded in death by her: birth mother, Magnolia Green; adopted mother, Alice Wickham-Booker-Jones (Dave); brothers, Preston "Mack" Green and Jesse "Toby" Green; and sister, Deloris Thompson.

The Bible tells us to "let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Every time Laverne smiled, the light of God shone. She was loved by all, and the memory of this righteous woman will continue to be a blessing.