08/10/2026
"Call to Duty"
We have been invited to perform the Nightingale Tribute for
LaVerne Elaine (Copeland) Torrence, RN, BSN, MSN, 74.
Born on May 28, 1952, to her father, Earl Luke Copeland and mother, Verna Marie Wilson, of Camden, New Jersey, at West Jersey Hospital. Affectionately called “Snookie” by her loved ones, LaVerne, relocated with her mother and sister, Constance “Connie” Cecilia (Copeland), to Jamaica, Queens, New York City, where she attended grade school and graduated from Jamaica High School, Class of 1970. In high school, LaVerne discovered her love for dance as the captain of the cheerleading squad and later was involved as captain of the Burundi African Dance Team, at SUNY Albany. LaVerne attended Albany State University with a major in Nursing. At SUNY Albany, she met her future husband and lifelong partner of 54 years, Roderick “Rick” Lee Torrence. LaVerne attended and graduated from Syracuse University with her Master’s Degree in Science of Nursing. On August 1, 1976, LaVerne and Rick were married at Bethany Baptist Church, amongst 300 loved ones, friends and fellow parishioners. As a Registered Nurse, LaVerne worked throughout Central New York and taught as a Nursing Professor for over 45 years, including at Syracuse University School of Nursing, SUNY Cortland, Hospice of CNY, Central New York Medical Registry, American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, Methodist Medical Center of Illinois, Upstate University Hospital, Crouse Hospital and private duty cases.
In 1986, LaVerne and Rick, along with their five children, family members and members of the community, began a music ministry, Winds of Agape Children’s Choir. The grassroots of the ministry began as a radio show that Pastor Rick and LaVerne hosted, called “The Children’s Special”. The choir performed for over 20 years, spreading the message of God’s Agape Love, by performing original music written by Pastor Rick, as well as traditional gospel hymns and inspirational songs. LaVerne had a love for creativity, sharing Arts and Crafts projects with countless children in the community. In 1988, LaVerne and Rick cofounded Winds of Agape Inc., a 501 C(3), non-profit organization, which operated in Central New York, helping families in need and crisis situations, for over 30 years. LaVerne began training Certified Home Health Aides at Winds of Agape Job Training Program, in 1995, assisting hundreds of welfare recipients and refugees, with job training and job placement. LaVerne’s nursing philosophy followed the seven principles of S.I.P.C.I.D.A: Safety, Infection Control, Privacy, Communication, Independence, Dignity and Agape. In 2002, LaVerne spearheaded a team of nurses, Mrs. JoAnn Jarvis, R.N., Mrs. Mary Winder, R.N., Mrs.Corrine Neville, R.N., alongside other nursing colleagues, to attain the licensure in New York State, for Winds of Agape Home Care Agency. Winds of Agape, Inc. partnered with the Food Bank of Central New York and began conducting mass food giveaways where over 300 families were served per a day. Winds of Agape, Inc. partnered with over 25 community resource agencies, including Catholic Charities, to assist people in need. Powered by volunteers of both community members and family members, the impact of Winds of Agape quickly grew, eventually resulting in Pastor Rick and LaVerne Torrence being honored as recipients of the Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service benefiting the disadvantaged. LaVerne’s love for God and serving others has left a lasting impression on the hearts of those who loved her. LaVerne’s compassionate spirit, beautiful smile, passion for nursing and shining light will be truly missed by all she knew.
LaVerne is predeceased by her mother, Verna Marie Wilson; father, Earl Luke Copeland; sons, Aaron William Torrence and Roderick David Torrence; sister, Constance “Connie” Cecilia (Copeland) Gladney; her nephew, William “Billy” Binford Smith; and her late husband, Roderick Lee Torrence.
LaVerne is survived by her half-sister, Cynthia “Penny” (Copeland) Ibarrondo; half-brother, Michael “Mikey” Copeland; her three daughters, Jannah Torrence, Adrienne Torrence, and Tonia Torrence; her five grandchildren, Quantanette, Daron, Adon, Abeo and Aman; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends.
Services were held at Bethany Baptist Church, 149 Beattie St, Syracuse, Friday, August 14, 2026, with calling hours from 11-12. Her Celebration of Life was at 12 Noon. The Nightingale Tribute as presented at the beginning of the Memorial service after the prayer and hymns by Faith T, Jan P, Elaine L, Donna K, Sue L, Sue B, Dawn, Kathy M, Bobbie Jo, Sharon C, and 2 new nurses- Diana, and Maria.
Adrienne talked with us before the service and thanked us for coming to pay tribute to her mom and shared some of her life accomplishments. She was dressed in green, as well as the family were wearing it. They gave us a green and white ribbon to pin to our capes. She shared how much LaVerne wanted to be a member of our NHG, but, sadly, it did not happen.
Before the Nightingale tribute, we did a short Honor the service Tribute, acknowledging LaVerne for her nursing accomplishments, then Presented a Certificate of Accomplishment, red rose, and pin as we made her an Honorary Member of our CNYSRNHG. The rose and certificate were placed on her casket, and each of the daughters received a red stethoscope pin, which all new members receive when they join our chapter.
Several nurses stood as we rang the Triangle; Adriene was one of them. What a celebration of life was held for LaVerne. It was a true honor to be part of this celebration and to welcome LaVerne into our chapter as an Honorary Member.