Contact Information
5537-39 W. Girard Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19131
Phone: (215) 878-5416
Map & Driving Directions
GRIEF & HEALING
affirmations to uplift & help you through
each stage of the grieving process.
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A Celebration of the life for LaVerne O. Hudson will occur on
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Funeral Service 11:00 a.m.
Viewing 10:00am-11:00am
African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas
6361 Lancaster Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19151
Interment: Fernwood Cemetery
Life Story
LaVerne O. Hudson was born on June 3, 1925, to Emma Harris Ogburn and William Ogburn in Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania. LaVerne was called home to rest on Monday, March 18, 2024. Growing up with five brothers and sisters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, LaVerne graduated from Overbrook High School and was one of the first African Americans to integrate the school. She was also proud to have attended Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania and received a certificate in Business Administration.
In 1944, LaVerne married Alvin Randolph Hudson whom she enjoyed 69 years of marriage with. In their lifetime, the couple raised eight children. LaVerne was a homemaker and enjoyed giving back to her community. She volunteered as an aid at Overbrook Elementary School where she was asked to stay on as an employee for the positive impact she had. Additionally, LaVerne served as an election judge and her home on Columbia Avenue served as a polling place in West Philadelphia for over 20 years. She also volunteered with the United States Census Bureau to ensure that her community was counted.
LaVerne was a member of St. Thomas African Episcopal Church, where she attended every Sunday before becoming ill. She was also a proud member of the House of Ogburn, one of the first African American families to establish family reunions in the United States. In the House of Ogburn, she served as the national secretary for the first reunion held in 1942, and received multiple awards for her dedication to the family. LaVerne attended the 80th Anniversary reunion in 2022 where she was recognized as the matriarch and oldest living member of the family.
LaVerne was a proud and dignified woman who touched the hearts of many. Her humor, remarkable intelligence, and strong presence had an impact on all she encountered. She had famous quotes such as, “Don’t get old, but the alternative isn’t good either,” and “I may have been born at night, but it wasn’t last night.” Finally, she would say, “Give me news I can use.”
LaVerne was preceded in death by her loving husband, Alvin Hudson, her brothers, William Ogburn Jr., Donald Ogburn, Clinton Ogburn and her sister, Roselle Akins. LaVerne is survived by her sister, Yvonne Ogburn Simmons, and her eight children, Alverna Wiley, Valerie Davis, Kenny Hudson, Clifford Hudson, Adrienne Hudson, Wendell Hudson, Archer Hudson, and Jennifer Gordon. She also leaves behind two sons-in-law Pete Davis and John Gordon. LaVerne is also survived by ten grandchildren, Anthony Wiley, Lisa Clark, Kieran Hudson, Nina Blalock, Marcella Howard, Justin Davis, Malik Hudson-Ashe, Imani Hudson-Ashe, Zachary Gordon, and Autumn Gordon. Her great grandchildren include Jaylen, Shawn Jr., Lisa Sanaa, Cora, Michael, Brooke, Julia, Elijah, Noelle, Tamani, and Brielle. LaVerne also leaves behind a host of loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. LaVerne will be missed by everyone.
“Her Journey’s Just Begun” by Andrea Jackson
Don’t think of her as gone away
her journey’s just begun
life holds so many facets
this earth is only one.
Just think of her as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days or years.
Think how she must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of her as living
in the hearts of those she touched
for nothing loved is ever lost
and she was loved so much.
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