Laverne “Nan” Briggs

LaVerne Maria Briggs, affectionately known as “Nan,” peacefully transitioned from this life on August 31, 2026, at the age of 96. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, family, education, entrepreneurship, and service.

Born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, in 1929, LaVerne was the eldest of four children born to Margaret and Henderson Andrews. She was raised with a strong foundation of faith, hard work, and caring for others—values that would guide her throughout her life. She married Rayford Hemphill and became the mother of two children. During those early years, she was a homemaker and domestic worker. Following her divorce, LaVerne relocated to Cincinnati in 1963 with her two children, determined to create a new beginning and build a better life for her family. There, she joined her mother, Margaret, and Cincinnati became her home for more than six decades.

A Life of Love and Learning

LaVerne’s life’s work grew from a seed planted by her mother, who began caring for children from her home and became a licensed childcare provider in 1982. That work became the foundation of Nanny’s Multi-Level Learning Center. When Margaret suffered a heart attack in 1985, LaVerne stepped forward to lead the center, growing it from a home-based operation into a thriving multi-classroom institution that served thousands of Cincinnati children and families mostly from the Avondale community.

Grounded in her Southern Baptist faith, LaVerne believed children needed more than academics. They also needed love, discipline, encouragement, consistency, and a strong moral foundation. That belief was captured in Nanny’s motto: “Where Love and Learning Go Hand in Hand,” and in the affirmations recited by preschool students at graduation, celebrated in the beloved poem “I Am the Wonderful Child.”

LaVerne pursued her own education throughout her life, demonstrating the same perseverance she encouraged in others. At the age of 56, with remarkable determination and fortitude, she earned her high school diploma—proving that it is never too late to accomplish a goal or continue learning. She went on to attend the University of Cincinnati, obtained her Child Development Associate credential, and continued her professional development through ongoing coursework and training. She was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. She also volunteered in local schools and became a foster parent in 1988.

Three Generations of Leadership

Nanny’s became a remarkable three-generation story. Margaret planted the seed, LaVerne grew it, and LaVerne’s daughter Brenda Harris known as ‘Ms. Brenda’ by generations of children—carried it forward. In 2003, The Cincinnati Herald honored Nanny’s as “Best Daycare” in its inaugural Best of Black Cincinnati recognition. LaVerne was also honored by Dada Rafiki’s Sisters of Legacy for her lifelong commitment to children and community.

Her Family

LaVerne’s greatest joy was her family. She was the loving mother of Brenda Louise Hemphill-Harris (Gerald), Charles James Hemphill (Karen), Edorus Franklin (Star), and Tarma Franklin, and the proud grandmother of Derren Hemphill, Deitrea Martir (Michael), Bari Hemphill, Charles Hemphill Jr., Whitni Milton (Damascus), Anya Harris, and Ryan Joseph. Her legacy continues through 17 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of extended family and dear friends.

Beyond her work, LaVerne enjoyed dancing, bowling, and creating photo albums that lovingly preserved the people and memories she treasured. To her family, her greatest title was simply Nan, a matriarch, mentor, and the steady heart of generations.

Her Lasting Impact

Though Nanny’s was eventually sold, LaVerne’s legacy lives on in her family, the employees she mentored, the parents she supported, and the thousands of children who passed through Nanny’s doors. Her greatest investment was never in buildings—it was always in people.

LaVerne Maria Briggs did much more than operate a childcare center. She helped raise generations.

Where love and learning went hand in hand, Nan built a legacy that will live on for generations to come.

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