Laverne Roberts

Laverne Elizabeth Roberts left this earthly dwelling behind in the midnight hours of August 9, 2026, peacefully surrounded by her husband and son. She leaves behind a legacy of 83 years of accomplishments, love, light, and laughter.

A Celebration of Her Life Ceremony will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 12 noon at Lori’s Funeral Home Chapel located at 2720 South Wilmington St. in Raleigh

Laverne was born in a small village-town in rural North Carolina, as the beloved eldest daughter of Louise Brown, a distinguished matriarch and caretaker, and Leon Brown, an Afro-Native American descendant and Korean War Veteran. She spent her early years in North Carolina before migrating north with her parents at the height of Jim Crow to pursue the American dream in the quintessential “City of Dreams”: New York City.

There, in Brooklyn, New York and later Jersey City, New Jersey, she and her four sisters (Patricia, Adrian, Gwendolyn, and Cheryle) formed an unshakeable bond and Laverne quickly distinguished herself as the matriarch-in-waiting. After graduating from Prospect Heights High School in the historic Botanical Gardens/Prospect Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, Laverne excelled as a domestic worker and care assistant, continuing a long family tradition.

Following high school, she lovingly gave birth to her first child, a beloved daughter---Maryellen—whom she named after one of the children she had cared for during her early days as a domestic worker.

It was around this time that Laverne met the love of her life, Chester, who entered her life as an immediate and constant source of joy and protection. The two wed in the Spring of 1969, surrounded by a loving legion of family.

With her husband and family by her side, Laverne entered the professional medical caretaking field as a distinguished Ward Clerk at the historic Maimonides Medical Center in Borough Park, Brooklyn. There, she would spend the next 40 years treating thousands of patients as a lead ward clerk for “7 West” (one of the hospital’s busiest care units). Laverne (or “Robby” as her co-workers would nickname her) quickly became one of the most legendary employees of the hospital, known far and wide for her acerbic wit, tough-love style, and no-nonsense demeanor.

With a successful marriage, career, and daughter in hand, Laverne embarked on her next grand accomplishment: the birth of her beloved son Christopher, who would go on to become her trusted confidant and protector.

As a result of Laverne’s hard work at the hospital, she and her husband Chester distinguished themselves as one of the very few African American couples who were homeowners in New York City in the 1970s. The two of them made their home in the suburban enclave of Hollis, Queens, where their address at 100-32 205th Street became a legendary gathering place for friends and family from all over the country. Their Queensresidence became particularly well-known for Laverne’s holiday gatherings---especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, where her strawberry cheesecake and chicken soup became locally famous.

In the evening season of her life, after decades of home ownership and a successful career in New York City, Laverne returned home to the south in 2008. With her loving son and beloved husband by her side, the family settled in Raleigh, North Carolina where Laverne enjoyed the peace and quiet of a comfortable retirement. While in Raleigh, Laverne continued her legacy of cooking, caretaking, and providing wise counsel for her family near and far. In the months leading up to her passing, she and her husband Chester joyously celebrated 57 years of marriage, which their son Chris honored in a recent celebration.

Laverne will be remembered for her big personality, witty mouth, strong work ethic, and unwavering bond with her child and husband. She is predeceased by her parents Louise and Leon; daughter Maryellen, and sister Adrian. Laverne lovingly leaves behind her husband Chester and son Christopher; three grandchildren Frankie, Ryan, and Jacqueline; surrogate sons Mark Hauges and Calvin Naborsand a host of loving sisters, nephews and nieces.