Leverne Johnson Black

Leverne "Charlie" Johnson Black entered into eternal rest, Blessed and Highly Favored, on Sunday, October 19, 2025, in the care of her loving children. She was 70 years old.
Leverne was born on December 20, 1954, to Haywood Johnson Sr. and Patsy Gladys Wilson Johnson. She was married to the late Jake Black Sr. Mother of Isaac Smallwood, Delicia, Stefan, and the late Sabatian Black. She was grandmother to Charice (De'Veon) Ridley, and Natia Smallwood; Zanalynn, Zanaicalynn, De John, Nakayla, Dylan, Jacob, and Devin Black; Sabatian and Tyrin Baraza; Kaylee, Juan, and Ana Livaudais; and Ocean Headly.
Charlie accepted the Lord as her personal Savior at an early age and was baptized at Greater Morning Star Baptist Church in Algiers, LA, by the late Rev. Wilbert Jackson. She later united with St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorship of her brother, Rev. Dr. Haywood Johnson Jr., continuing to grow in her faith and service to the Lord. In time, she became a devoted member of Greater Providence Baptist Church, under the leadership of her nephew, Pastor Javonte Jimcoily, where she faithfully served as a Deaconess, exemplifying Christian love, humility, and dedication to God's work until her demise.
Leverne attended Scottville High School and later earned her diploma through the Adult Education Program in Plaquemines Parish. She dedicated her life and career to serving and caring for those with disabilities and physical challenges. Over the years, she worked with compassion and commitment at Padua Community Services, Belle Chasse Middle School (Plaquemines Parish School Board), and the Institute for Networking Community Services.
After 21 years of devoted service, Leverne retired from the Plaquemines Parish School Board, having spent more than three decades as a paraprofessional. Her work was more than a job - it was a calling. She gave her time, her heart, and her patience to help those who needed her most, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.
She was a true jack of all trades - a woman who could do just about anything she set her mind to. From fixing a flat tire, change the oil to rolling up her sleeves to repair a leaking faucet, she met every challenge with skill and determination. In the kitchen, she could turn a simple meal into one made with love or transform wild game into a feast everyone anticipated. She lived by her favorite verse, Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," and her hands, heart, and spirit reflected that strength every day.


She had a special gift for caring for others - a natural nurse who knew how to comfort, heal, and make people feel safe. She was more than a mother to her own children; she was a mother to many. Her home, her heart, and her hands were always open to anyone who needed them.
She was known for striking up conversations with anyone, even complete strangers. Friendly and approachable, she always greeted people with a warm smile that made them feel welcome. If you asked how she was doing, her answer was always, "Blessed and Highly Favored." And if you asked what the doctor said, she'd tell you honestly and then add with a grin, "You know, bad grass don't die - it just shrivels and grows right back." She would also say, "The Lord went through worse for us, so I know I can go through this." In conversation, if she agreed with you, she'd say, "Annnnnd you Riiiiggght," letting you know she was listening and encouraging you to go on. Her words, humor, and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
She was compassionate to the point of self-neglect, always putting the needs and happiness of others before her own. Deep down, she longed to be accepted and loved by her siblings and close family. Even in her final days, as she lay in pain, her heart was still focused on others - trying to please, trying to care, trying to give - when it should have been her turn to be comforted, prayed over, and surrounded by the love she so freely gave.
There wasn't much she couldn't do - and if she didn't know how, she'd figure it out or help you find the way. She was strong, capable, and full of love - the kind of woman who made everyone around her feel cared for. She'll be remembered not just for what she could do, but for how she made us all feel while doing it.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Jake Black Sr.; her son, Sabatian Black; her stepchildren, Jake Jr., Charlan, and Chermaine Black; her parents, Haywood and Patsy Johnson; her siblings, Burnedette and Lois Jeanette Johnson, Verline Camese, Gary Jimcoily, and Theresita Ancar; and her godparents, Boyd Washington and May Hall.
She leaves to mourn her children: Isaac (Jasmine) Smallwood, Delicia and Stefan Black; stepchildren Garry (Vera), Walter (Shelia), and Grace Black; her siblings Rev. Dr. Haywood (Gail) Johnson, Joseph (Joan), Rev. Nathaniel (Michelle) Jimcoily, Vinery Sylve, and Donna Duplessis; her beloved aunts, Elma "Betty" Wilson and Pearl (Roy) Sylve; fifteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit lives on in every life she's touched. Her laughter, her sayings, her strength, and her endless compassion will never be forgotten. She taught us the value of hard work, the joy of kindness, and the beauty of giving without expecting anything in return. As we remember her, may we carry forward her love, her faith, and her light - greeting each day, as she did, "Blessed and Highly Favored."
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral service on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Greater Providence Baptist church located at 623 Newton Street, New Orleans LA. 70114. The visitation will begin at 9AM followed by a 10AM service. Pastor Javonte Jimcoily will officiate. A private interment will follow the service.
Funeral planning entrusted to Robinson Family Funeral Home (504) 208-2119.
For online condolences please visit www.robinsonfamilyfuneralhome.com

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