Since the onset of the pandemic and the nation’s shutdown to prevent the spread and infection of COVID-19, Dr. Laverne Wimberly, 82, hasn’t let that get in the way of her weekly worship, or the lavish hat and outfit combinations that she wears to every virtual Sunday service.
If you’ve been anywhere near a black church, then you already have a vivid image of the classic “church lady look.” For 52 straight weeks now, Dr. Wimberly has not missed a beat, attending church services via virtual video casting, and has kept up her routine of rocking the latest and colorful church blouses, skirts, dresses, jewelry, and of course– hats.
From hot pink to royal blue and gold, Muva shows up faithfully to the virtual sessions of Tulsa’s Metropolitan Baptist Church. And the pandemic ain’t stopping her show. She color-coordinates her hats and outfits and even writes them down in a journal so she never repeats an outfit.
“I just decided at that point, I was just going to get dressed as if I was going to church so I would not get in the habit of just slouching around,” Dr. Wimberly told KTUL in Tulsa.
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And while many people don’t see the point in dressing up for things like virtual church service, Dr. Wimberly seems to enjoy the process of getting ready, taking selfies for Facebook, and attending local church services with her friends and family.
Not surprisingly, Dr. Wimberly also talked about how she’s known to turn a few heads during service and how much feedback she’s gotten. So much so, that she’s had to step in and redirect the focus from her outfit to the message of the service.
But more than anything, the lifelong church-goer wants to boost the morale of the church by keeping things interesting and fun. A former teacher and school administrator, she knows how to strengthen the community within her church, while also expressing her creativity.
“I wanted not only to keep myself motivated, but I wanted to help keep others motivated as well, to inspire them, encourage them, and kind of eradicate some types and forms of depression, isolation, fear and despair, Dr. Wimberly said.
We can’t wait to see what she flaunts next!
