LaVerne Russell, changed young lives

KIDS ON the verge of dropping out of Overbrook High School were the special concern of LaVerne C. Russell.

They might have been girls who had disciplinary problems or were pregnant, or simply those who failed to see the value of a high-school education.

LaVerne worked on their problems in what the school called its Twilight Program, because it was held after regular school hours.

How many young people she helped turn their lives around is not recorded, but the value resides in the hearts of those she guided.

"She didn't want to give up on anybody," her daughter Charlene Carter said. "She was very proud to be working in that program."

LaVerne Carolyn Russell, a 30-year special-ed teacher at Overbrook and devoted churchwoman, died May 28 of complications of amyloidosis, a rare disease that affects the body's organs. She was 59 and lived in Yeadon.

She was born in Philadelphia, the only daughter of the four children of Bernice Walker and the late Frank Walker. She was educated in the public schools and went to work for the former Bell Telephone Co.

She later earned her GED diploma and went to Cheyney University. She received a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's in special education.

LaVerne was the class sponsor of the Overbrook Class of 1986, for which "she had a special place in her heart," her daughter said.

She enjoyed attending the school proms and proudly showed off photos of herself at the events.

She also taught in the summer program at Daroff Elementary School, on Vine Street near 57th.

LaVerne married Ronald Russell Sr., the love of her life, whom she called "Big Ron," on Nov. 9, 1985. He died in 2002.

She was a member of True Vine Baptist Church, 5th Street and Lehigh Avenue, North Philadelphia, and later First Baptist Church of Paschall, 71st Street and Woodland Avenue, Southwest Philadelphia.

She became a deaconess, Sunday-school teacher, a member of the Praise Team and the Sunshine Choir. She also was an aerobics instructor who led church members in exercises on Saturday mornings at the church.

"LaVerne had a very vibrant spirit and when you saw her she was always smiling and had a kind word to say," her family said.

Besides her daughter and mother, she is survived by another daughter, Wanda Coleman; three brothers, Kenneth McLemore, Ernest Walker and Reginald Walker; and four grandchildren.

Services: Were Saturday. Burial was in Fernwood Cemetery, Delaware County. *