Verna Elizabeth Stephenson Schmidt

Hampton, VA Verna Elizabeth Stephenson Schmidt passed Tuesday, 24 June 2014, at the age of 102. She was born in Wallace, Idaho on 26 Sept 1911, the oldest of nine children born to Hugh Andrew (Sr) and Lydia Boro (Bergerone) Stephenson. She lived in Glade Spring, VA from age four until she moved to the Peninsula in 1951 when she married Henry Schmidt, a friend from her teenage years. Verna was a member of Old Glade Spring Presbyterian Church, Glade Spring, VA. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings: William Roger Stephenson; Mary Kathleen Stephenson Orr Flick; La Roy Emerson Stephenson; Hugh Andrew Stephenson, Jr; Pauline Louise Stephenson Hall Stamas; and James Franklin Stephenson. She was also preceded in death by four husbands: James Wesley Orr; James Calvin Orr; Henry "Babe" Schmidt; and Richard Johnson. Verna "loved all husbands to death." She was the most kind and loving person. Others who preceded her in death were her oldest daughter, Edith Gay Orr Mize (Mrs. James), and grandson, Kenny Mize. Verna is survived by two daughters, Betty Jo Ann Orr Lowe (Mrs. Ray) of Hampton, VA, and Doris May Orr Moore (Mrs. Glen) of Hampton, VA.; sisters, Hallie Boro Stephenson White (Mrs. Charles Alfred, Sr.) of Bristol, VA; and Evelyn Lucille Stephenson Hurley (Mrs. Charles Franklin) of Blountville, TN; brother, William "Bill" Howard and Nancy Luceille McGill Stephenson of Oak Ridge, TN; sisters-in-law, Oleta Belle Woolwine Smith Stephenson ( La Roy Emerson) of Glade Spring, VA, and Ina Faye Corder Stephenson ( Hugh Andrew, Jr) Marbury of Bristol, TN; eight grandchildren; a host of great- and great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Verna had attended Aldersgate United Methodist Church where she made many friends. She retired from Maida Development after 20 years of service. She enjoyed gardening, family gatherings, and traveling. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at James River Convalescent Center for their caring and kindness to Verna during her stay there. The family will receive friends at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home on Friday, 27 June from 1:00-2:30 P.M. The funeral service will follow at 2:30 with the Revs. Ed and Libby Wright officiating. Burial will follow in Parkline Cemetery, Hampton. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.farrisfuneralservice.com. This information submitted on behalf of the family by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700)