News Release - Statement from Mayor Lovely Warren on the Passing of Rev. Vernice Warfield

City of Rochester

News Release

(Monday, August 14, 2017) – “Reverend Vernice Warfield spent more than 100 years on this Earth as a servant of God – and as a servant of others. She was a trailblazer and a fighter for our community. You were as likely to see her leading her neighbors in prayer as you were to see her on a ladder, cleaning her gutters at the age of 102.

“In February of 2014 I had the great honor of giving my first Key to the City as Mayor to Rev. Warfield. As the first female and second African American Mayor of Rochester, this moment was particularly meaningful, because I know that without trailblazers like her, I would not sit in this office.

“Rev. Warfield lived off of East Main Street for 65 years – never losing hope for the neighborhood she knew and loved. And due to the hard work of Vernice and her neighbors, a new housing development in her neighborhood will bear her name – a testament to her lifelong pursuit of equality and opportunity.

“Her legacy lives on through the thousands of lives she touched, the children she fought for, the men and women of color she mentored, and the parishioners who found peace and inspiration through her weekly services. Today, her sons Michael and Thomas continue the great work that she started.

“May her memory be for a blessing – and may her life be an inspiration to us all.”

-30-

News Media: For more information contact Press Officer Jessica Alaimo at 428-7135.