LaVerne Newman

LaVerne Newman was born in Denver, Colorado on December 21, 1952 to Helen Thomas Newman and John Henry Wingo. LaVerne was the last of the family’s six children joining Irma Jean, John Eugene “Poochie”, Harold, Janice, and Johnnie Mae. LaVerne was a self-proclaimed “mama’s girl “and avid reader. She was the family’s “night owl” who often stayed up to watch television and movies long after everyone went to bed. This would continue throughout her life. LaVerne was educated in Denver Public Schools, attending Whittier Elementary, Cole Middle School and graduated from Manual High School in 1971. In the summer of 1968 after the death of her brother Poochie, Helen took LaVerne and Johnnie Mae on a bus ride around the country for a change of scenery. They stopped in Chicago and spent time on the campus of Notre Dame. Having lost a sibling so young to gun violence inspired LaVerne to have as much fun as she could during her lifetime. Described as a nice girl with a quick mouth, LaVerne spent her free time with friends. While working as a ward clerk at St. Luke’s, a hospital patron encouraged her to pursue nursing full time. LaVerne took this advice and enrolled in the nursing program at Arapahoe Community College. She found her life purpose as a nurse and caretaker of her loved ones and others.

LaVerne worked as a Registered Nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital in oncology and emergency units.

In 1977, she made the move to Atlanta, Georgia. It was there she met lifelong friend Marjorie Lamar. LaVerne had wanderlust and traveled as often as she could to places like Niagara Falls, Oakland, California, and Reno, Nevada. In late 1981, LaVerne took a job in Denver to help care for her older sister Irma Jean who was diagnosed with breast cancer. She returned to Atlanta after her sister’s passing and continued to work at Grady Memorial Hospital in the emergency department. Her family recalls many “nurse” tales LaVerne would recount during her Grady days.

In 1985, upon recommendation from another lifelong friend the late Fredonnia Price, LaVerne relocated from Atlanta, Georgia to Stockton, California. LaVerne began working at San Joaquin County General Hospital. Also, while in California LaVerne met Hubbert Roy. This relationship produced son, John Michael Eugene Roy and daughter Jocelyn Marie Elaine Roy, the loves of Laverne’s life. She continued to work as nurse but reveled more in her role as a mother.

Due to the skyrocketing cost of living, LaVerne moved back home to Denver to buy a home and also to be closer to her aging mother. It was also during this transition that LaVerne took permanent custody of her great niece Shayla, whom she also named. LaVerne worked as visiting nurse for Washington and Associates and also on a medical surgical floor at Presbyterian St. Luke’s (PSL). While working at PSL, LaVerne became ill. It was discovered that she’d contracted tuberculosis. LaVerne was quarantined for a few weeks until she was deemed able to return home. Shayla, John, and Jocelyn remember this time as difficult, as they too had to stay indoors during the hot summer.

Once fully recovered, LaVerne obtained her dream job working for Kaiser Permanente, first as a phone line nurse, and then in the clinic on the Orthopedics floor. LaVerne worked for Kaiser for over 15 years and retired in 2015. Retirement was good to LaVerne she traveled and spent time with family and friends. She also served as caregiver for her longtime companion and fiancé Gary Flowers who died of mouth and throat cancer in 2016.

Always the dedicated, God-fearing woman she was, LaVerne managed to take care of Gary while going through her own bout with breast cancer.

LaVerne gave her life to Christ and was baptized at Anchor of Hope Church. A member of Anchor for over 25 years, she served on the Usher Board, and as Children’s Church teacher. She was a kind and helpful soul to everyone she met. LaVerne walked the walk and talked the talk. She served as the sounding board and confidant for many people, she had a trustworthiness that was genuine and unchanging. If she said it, she meant it, and she was loyal with her word.

LaVerne was a non- judgmental person who understood the many seasons of life. Incredibly patient, large hearted, and compassionate. She was savvy and well-informed consuming hours per day of world affairs, pop culture and politics; she loved gospel music and Usher.

LaVerne loved movies and would often retell film endings with her version of what would make it better. If she wasn’t a nurse, she would have been a great film writer.

LaVerne was also the sweetest most willful woman we’ve ever known. You hated to disappoint her, however when you did, she forgave you, but never forgot. She showed us how to be strong, persevere, and to show other’s the love of God through our actions.

Her nieces and nephews remember when she’d come to visit from out of town, “We always went to the movies, she had gifts for us, and made us feel special. There was always something in the mail to let you know she was thinking about you. Christmas was her favorite holiday and she was notorious for buying us pajamas and undergarments too big because she ultimately wanted us to be comfortable over being fashionable.”

LaVerne was everyone’s greatest cheerleader and encourager, she’d often write our names down in her prayer book, asking God for things on our behalf. She believed that no matter what, God was in control and his will was always perfect. LaVerne had a light that shined through every obstacle. Her spirit, beauty, kindness and loving heart will never be forgotten.

LaVerne answered God’s call to eternal rest on December 4, 2019 after a brief illness. Left to cherish her memory; are her children John Michael Eugene and Jocelyn Marie Elaine Roy both of Denver Colorado. Her brother Harold Newman of Denver, CO, and sister Johnnie Mae Newman of Atlanta, GA. Her nieces; Pamela Richard of Denver, CO and JeNaee’ Newman of Atlanta, GA.

Nephews; Kevin Herbut of Cripple Creek, CO, Kelvin Hooper of Aurora, CO, Keith Newman of Denver, CO and Jelese Newman of Atlanta, GA. Great nieces; Shayla Richard of Denver, CO, Janell Anoba of Little Rock, AR, and Tamia Newman of Ontario, CA.

Great Nephews; R. Okoye Robin of Las Vegas, NV, Ashton Richard of Denver, CO, and Terrell Newman of Ontario, CA. One great-great nephew Kaleo Richard of Denver, CO.

Three Godchildren; Jody Hardge of Denver, CO, Tishmil (Robert) Jimmerson, and Demar (Brittney) Jimmerson all of Aurora, CO. Also left to mourn LaVerne are her dear sister’s Betty London of Aurora, CO, Janet Tucker of Denver, CO, Johnette Jones of Denver, CO, Nina Turner of Denver, CO, Sandra Wiley of Denver, Co, and Marjorie Lamar of Ellenwood, GA and a host of friends, colleagues, church members, and extended family.

LaVerne is preceded in death by her mother Helen Newman, father John Henry Wingo, sisters; Irma Jean Richard and Janice Newman, and brother John Eugene “Poochie” Newman, and grandmother Hannah Donley. Also waiting for her on the other side was the love of her life Gary L. Flowers and dear friends Fredonnia Price and Mae Mosee’.