LaVerne Pauline Case, 77, dedicated special education teacher

LAVERNE CASE didn't want to hear that children with special needs couldn't make it in society.

As a special-education teacher in Philadelphia for more than 35 years, LaVerne saw it as her role in life to help those children go on to normal, productive lives.

"She didn't believe that those children couldn't lead regular lives," said her nephew, Jeff Hill. "She had a special way with those children."

LaVerne Pauline Case, a woman noted for doing things her way; funny, compassionate, a devoted churchwoman who lent her voice to the choirs and composed songs for her beloved sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha; and a devoted aunt, died of heart failure on June 25. She was 77 and lived at Wesley Enhanced Living at Stapeley in Germantown. She previously lived in Glenside.

"To call her a character is an understatement," her nephew said. "She had a personality like no other. Anyone who knew her can attest to her infectious personality that drew people to her like a magnet. She was funny, compassionate and always offered some words of advice that stuck with you. And, yes, she had jokes.

"A dedicated educator, LaVerne had a special gift and heart for children. Many of her students were able to overcome their special challenges under the unique teaching style of Miss Case, some of whom would go on to achieve far beyond others' expectations."

LaVerne spent her entire teaching career at the Ferguson Elemenary School, in North Philadelphia. She retired from there in 1994.

During the summer, she would volunteer at playgrounds and recreation centers in the city.

LaVerne was born in Camden to Edward Case and the former Lillian Jefferson. The family moved to Philadelphia and she graduated from West Philadelphia High School.

She went on to Cheyney University, where she studied special education, and joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She became a student teacher at Ferguson Elementary after graduation and remained there until her retirement.

"A people-person by nature, LaVerne's love for children was rivaled only by her love for music," her family said. "She was an accomplished singer from childhood and sang on many choirs, including Monumental Baptist Church, Cheyney State Gospel Choir, where she was the lead soloist, and the Bright Hope Baptist Church celestial choir.

She composed songs for her sorority, including an adaptation of the old Scottish ballad "Annie Laurie," for which she wrote new lyrics.

In 2008, she was awarded the Golden Soror recognizing her as a 50-year member of the sorority. "She bled pink and green (the sorority's colors)," her family said.

LaVerne loved all types of board games, especially chess and checkers, and enjoyed a good game of pinochle or tonk. She also loved the Atlantic City beaches and to test her luck at the casinos.

"Although LaVerne had no biological children, her many nephews and nieces were the apple of her eye," her family said. "She kept more than one generation of children up till daybreak at that famous kitchen table, gleaning into them her special words of wisdom."

LaVerne loved good food, but was an indifferent cook. She let others do the cooking, and she never turned down a plate of blue-claw crabs, or a pig's foot, her family said.

In addition to her nephews and nieces, she is survived by a sister, Arden Hill.

Services: 10 a.m. tomorrow at Bright Hope Baptist Church, 1601 S. 12th St. Friends may call at 8:45 a.m. Burial will be in Harleigh Cemetery, 1640 Haddon Ave., Camden.