Sons & Daughters of Allen - 60 Year Commemorative Booklet 2021

Biography of Charter President LaVerne Clark Goldman 1961 - 1986 LaVerne Clark Goldman, the youngest daughter of Walker and Estelle Clark, was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and raised in her family’s native hometown of Washington, D.C. After graduating from Dunbar High School, she received a bachelor’s degree from Minor’s Teacher’s College and a master’s degree from New York University. Throughout her career, LaVerne served as a special education teacher in D.C. Public Schools, and she held positions at Children’s Hospital, D.C. General Hospital, and Saint Elizabeths Hospital, providing services to youth with special needs. After retiring from the school system, she became vice president of Clark Goins Oil Company.

A third-generation member of Metropolitan A.M.E. Church, LaVerne has participated in many activities in the church, ranging from her involvement in Church School, Sarah Allen Missionary Society, President’s Council, and Senior Board of Stewards. In 1958, she became a member of the Cathedral Choir and has been lending her alto voice to numerous church choirs for over 60 years. In the Christian Education Department, her skills and commitment led her to become the Washington Conference Director. She and Rev. Edgar James were co-directors of the Head Start Program, a summer project for children, and she volunteered to drive the church bus to transport local youth within the District.

In 1961, LaVerne became the first president of the Sons and Daughters of Allen, a position she held for 25 years. During her presidency, LaVerne extended her community outreach to Ghana, where she and Florence James spent three months in the 1970s participating in a children’s program. The only surviving charter member of the club, she continues to be an active member of Metropolitan and serves as a role model for the church family and community.

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