Tulsa Woman’s Church Outfits Catch Attention Online Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again. × Search search POPULAR SEARCHES SUGGESTED LINKS Join AARP for just $9 per year when you sign up for a 5-year term. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Leaving AARP.org Website You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

Sunday-Best Dress Inspires the Faithful

COVID can t steal one 82-year-old s glow while she worships from home

Courtesy Dr. Laverne Wimberly and her weekly gatherings transitioned to online meetings. Like many at the start of the pandemic, Wimberly, an 82-year-old retired superintendent from Tulsa, Oklahoma, believed the lockdown and precautionary measures would last a few weeks at most. She figured it was best not to get out of the habit of dressing up for church services, so she continued to do so at home. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Because no one would see her outfits in real life, Wimberly thought it would be fun to post her looks on Facebook, sharing with friends and fellow church members of Metropolitan Baptist Church in Tulsa. To give her posts more meaning, she included scriptures and messages to inspire others. Wimberly says commenters were placing too much attention on her looks at first. “One Sunday early on, I had to say, ‘Thank you for the compliments, but I really want you to focus on the message,' ” she says. “So, then they started saying ‘Your message was very inspiring’ and ‘You're such an inspiration.' " But it's hard not to be mesmerized by Wimberly's eye-catching fashion, which includes a variety of hats with huge bows and ribbons, various pieces of statement jewelry, and even a black-and-white-studded ensemble complete with . Wimberly says she loves the color purple and has particularly enjoyed outfits showcasing purple and white combos. It never occurred to her that a year later, but Wimberly never missed a beat and has continued to dress up for 52 weeks straight. In addition to her stylish looks, people have noticed that Wimberly has not repeated an outfit for her entire run. Wimberly says that's thanks to her age. “Being 82 years old, we just have a collection because you've been buying clothes for years,” she says. “I haven't thrown a lot of them out because they are of good quality.” Yes, Wimberly has a big closet and quite a collection of church hats — more than 50, she estimates — all organized in hatboxes that can hold three or four hats each.
Entertainment $3 off popcorn and soft drink combos See more Entertainment offers > "I've been trying to figure it out,” says Wimberly, reflecting on why she's gaining so much attention. “Maybe it's the fact that I'm 82 years old and still dressing. A lot of people don't put that much time in fashion and attire , but ... I think it helps to keep your mental wellness going because you're being exposed to a lot of people and a lot of opportunities out there, and you just need to look your best." Church secretary Robin Watkins says, “Dr. Wimberly is a joy to know, with a warm spirit. Her heart is as beautiful as each outfit and hat she has shared with us.” And with the newfound attention, Wimberly just hopes to be a light and offer positivity to others during what has been a difficult time for many. “Stay positive, stay connected with your family, your friends, your network of support, your colleagues, and if there is any reason to have any mental health people in your life, do that as well because you just want to be the best you can be under any circumstance,” Wimberly says. “Know this too shall pass and you'll be able to overcome if you have a positive attitude first and foremost, and that love, happiness and joy starts within." More on home-family AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS