Laverne Wingo

Cooper

LaVerne Amelia Wingo Cooper, 92, of Richmond, peacefully transitioned to the heavens on Friday, August 18th, after two months in palliative care. During these days she had the chance to share time with family and friends. She was a special lady – always ready to chat and more importantly, to share her opinion with you – whether you asked for it or not. She never met a stranger and was always ready to offer a helping hand.

LaVerne was born on April 1, 1931, in the sprawling metropolis of Amelia County, VA, the fourth of seven children born to Willie F. Sr. and Bessie B. Wingo. She moved to Richmond as a child where she graduated from Armstrong High School in 1947. In 1951, LaVerne received a degree in Biology from Virginia Union University. More importantly, it was at Union that she met William S. Cooper, Sr. – the one and only love of her life. They were married June 28, 1952 and had two sons, William, Jr., and Kenneth.

After graduation, she began work at the Medical College of Virginia (now Virginia Commonwealth University) from which she retired after more than 40 years of service. LaVerne was passionate about clinical research and loved what she did for a living. She was a key player supporting Dr. Robert Scott and Florence Neal Cooper Smith in establishing Sickle Cell Research in Virginia.

Ebenezer Baptist Church was LaVerne's spiritual home for more than 80 years. In addition to her faithful attendance to both Sunday School and worship services, she held many positions there including Sunday School teacher and costume creator for the drama ministry. She was the heart behind a group for senior women affectionately known as Seasoned Spices.

LaVerne recently celebrated her Diamond, or 75th Anniversary, as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She loved her sorority and held several leadership positions in the Upsilon Omega Chapter as well as on the Regional and International levels. In 1954, she became one of the founding members of the Mothers Club – a club that existed for more than 65 years and for over 50 years, she was an active member of the Setteyags Pinochle Club.

LaVerne was predeceased by her parents, husband, son, Kenneth, brothers, Willie F. Jr., Herbert, and Robert L. Wingo, sister, Gloria Wallace and daughter-in-law, Adele Johnson.

Surviving are her son, William Cooper, Jr.; two granddaughters, Krystal Cooper and Lisa Collins (Lorenzo); three grandsons, Kevin Sr. (Petrice), Eric S. Sr. (Laila), and Kenneth E. Cooper, Jr.; two great-granddaughters, Emera S. Cooper and Lia S. Collins; six great-grandsons, Kevin Jr., Korry D., Kristopher A., Eric S. Jr., and Elijah S. Cooper, Kareem Richardson, and Lorenzo R. Collins, Jr.; sister, Thelma C. Wingo; brother, Sandi C. Wingo; daughter-in-law, Glenda R. Cooper; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends all of whom she cherished and adored. Her home often served as the headquarters for gatherings of family and friends.

The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will hold a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at Saint Paul's Baptist Church, 4247 Creighton Road, Henrico, VA 23223 followed by the homegoing service at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, LaVerne requested that you please consider a donation to one or both of the following:

The William S. Cooper Scholarship Fund

VCU School of Pharmacy

P. O. Box 843042

Richmond, VA 23284-3042

http://scholarships.pharmacy.vcu.edu/scholarships/William-S-Cooper-Scholarship

Florence Neal Cooper Smith Professorship in Sickle Cell Research Fund

MCV Foundation

P. O. Box 980234

Richmond, VA 23298

http://www.mcvfoundation.org/florence-neal-cooper-smith-professorship