Verna Rahman

December 27, 2020

Verna Jean Coverson Rahman was born on May 23, 1948, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to the union of Amos Coverson Jr and Thelma Campbell Coverson. She was the third of six children, and was reared in the Christian faith. She accepted Christ as her Lord and developed into a devout Christian. At an early age, Verna began to service the Lord by playing piano at Old Emanuel Baptist Church. From 1961-1966, she played for all services at her family’s church, Zion Tabernacle Baptist Church, where her passion and talent for playing piano flourished. Throughout this time, she competed at the district and state level in piano. Her love for music stayed with her and played an instrumental role in every aspect of her life. Verna received her high school diploma from W.O. Boston High School in 1966. After graduating, she relocated to New Orleans, LA to attend Xavier University of Louisiana. Verna later graduated from Southern University of New Orleans (SUNO) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. While obtaining her degree, Verna worked as an accountant for the National Finance Center (NFC) under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In 2006, she retired from NFC after working as an accountant for thirty years. As a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and The Ebony Belles Social & Pleasure Club, Verna relished genuine friendships and attained a true sisterhood. With these ladies, she traveled the country while experiencing the finer things in life, upheld a supportive, loving social group, turned friends into family, and created phenomenally unforgettable memories. For decades, she honored her friendships with the highest regard, which resonated through her love and admiration for them. While attending SUNO, Verna met Sheikh Fazlur Rahman, who she later married in 1984. With this marriage, Verna became an instant mother of three wonderful boys: Sheikh Farukur Rahman, Sheikh Faridur Rahman, and Sheikh Sirajur Rahman. They lovingly referred to her as “Dear”. In 1988, she gave birth to Sharifa Jahan Rahman. Verna loved her family deeply. She went above and beyond to ensure their safety, build a grounded foundation, and inspire them to limitless boundaries, progression and success in their life endeavors. She is preceded in death by her parents, Amos Coverson Jr and Thelma Campbell Coverson. She leaves behind cherished memories with her children, Sharifa Jahan Rahman, Sheikh Farukur Rahman, Sheikh Faridur Rahman (Annika), and Sheikh Sirajur Rahman; siblings, Jiles Madden (Rosalyn), Kenneth Coverson, Lana Diane Stevens, Marilyn LeBlanc (John), and Terry Glenn Coverson (Terri); along with her grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends, spiritual sisters and brothers, sorors, and colleagues. As mandated by the state of Louisiana, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance is limited. Relatives and close friends are invited to attend the private funeral service at D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home located at 3933 Washington Avenue, New Orleans, LA, on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at 1:00 pm. Public visitation will be held from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm. Everyone is required to adhere to all restrictions; you must wear a face mask at all times and practice social distancing. Interment will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery locate at 4000 Norman Mayer Avenue, New Orleans, LA. Arrangements by D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave.