Alvernella Berlinda Lawrence

Alvernella Berlinda Lawrence, age 62, died peacefully in Waterbury, Connecticut, on August 13, 2021.

Alvernella was born on March 25, 1959, in the Village of Basseterre in St. Kitts and Nevis to Eustace and Alberta (Rhona) Edwards. She is the 4th of 10 children. In 1984, Alvernella moved from St. Kitts to New York City. In New York, she worked as a Medical Assistant and Dental Assistant while raising her four sons. In 2003, the family moved from Queens, New York, to Waterbury, Connecticut. After a career in the medical field, Alvernella pursued a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut to facilitate a career transition to education. She worked as an educator for the remainder of her life.

Alvernella is survived by her four sons (spouses in parentheses): Jowanza (Bethany), Darrell, Devon, and Justin, her two grandchildren: Norah and Selma, and siblings Calvin, Denzel, Terrence, Carleen, Eustace Jr, Cheryll, Bonnie, and Orville and many others too numerous to list.

Those who knew Alvernella remember her for her selflessness, unwavering optimism, and relentless work ethic. She gave to those in need, even when she may have been in need herself. She had an infectious laugh and smile that made everyone feel welcome and at ease. She supported her four boys, attending their football games, helping them with homework, and teaching them the values they still cherish today. She was a profoundly religious and spiritual person, and she shared that spirit with everyone she encountered.

A public viewing will be held for Alvernella on August 20, 2021 , at Colonial Funerals, 270 West Main St. Waterbury, CT 06702 , from 6 pm – 8 pm . A funeral service will be held on August 21, 2021 , at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 100 Williamson Drive, Waterbury, CT 06710 , from 10 am – 11 am . A viewing will be held from 9 am – 9:45 am , preceding the funeral services. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be broadcast over Zoom.  Please contact an immediate family member for details. Condolences may be expressed at Colonialfunerals.com.