LaVera Ann Paley, The Christian home of Joe and Lula Paley was richly blessed by the birth of their first baby girl, LaVera Ann, on October 14, 1946. As the familygrew to twelve children, LaVera learned responsibility, discipline, independence, and leadership qualities that she kept with her throughout her life. She graduated from Kashmere Gardens Jr Sr High in 1964, where her love for learning was strengthened. She was a member of the tennis team under the leadership of Mrs Ozell Harris. LaVera was heavily involved in extracurricular activities as a member of the Library Club, Camera Club, and Homemaking of America Association.
After graduating, LaVera furthered her education at Huston-Tillotson College. She continued to excel at the collegiate level and completed her bachelor’s degree with teacher certifications in History and French. Her college experience was enhanced when she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. LaVera was the first in her family to complete college. She was a role model for her siblings and encouraged many others to pursue higher learning. With a degree in hand, she was able to fulfill her dream of teaching. Her career began at George Washington Carver High School, continuing in Aldine School District for 10 years. Again, her intense love of learning motivated her to seek a master’s degree. She completed a Master of Arts in Education at Texas Southern University and looked forward to becoming an administrator.
LaVera was a scholar, trailblazer, and activist with vast accomplishments. Her vibrant and charismatic demeanor was magnetic and made her easy to love. Her greatest accomplishment was the birth of her daughter Karen Kimberly, after her marriage to Harold Sims. She lived her life to the fullest until receiving a terminal breast cancer diagnosis at the young age of 32. She now has a son-in-law, Mark, and two wonderful grandchildren, Mari and Joshua who are in awe of her talent and achievements in such a short time. LaVera would be thrilled about her induction into the KFAA Hall of Fame.
