LEESBURG, FLA. – Martha Jean Beadles Vernon, 86, died Friday, May 22, 2009.
Born in Okanogan, Wash., on September 9, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Rev. Owen and Alta Beadles. She and her late husband, Charles, lived in Jefferson for 35 years before moving to Florida. She was a graduate of the University of Idaho and worked for the American Red Cross during World War II as a home caseworker. She was a retired social worker for the Georgia Department of Family and Children’s Services, was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Jefferson, the Quilters, the United Methodist Women, the Esther Circle, and the Stan Escoe Sunday School Class. Mrs. Vernon was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years; a son, David R. Vernon; and sisters, Delores Jaquish and Joyce Adams.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Betsy and John Harrington, Leesburg, Fla.; granddaughters, Suzanne (Lane) Godsey and Jessica Vernon, Arden, N.C., and Kathleen Gurley, Atlanta; grandsons, Ben (Elizabeth) Vernon, Charlotte, N.C., and Alex Gurley, Flowery Branch; and a great-granddaughter, Lillian Ruth Godsey.
Memorial services will be held Thursday, May 28, at the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson with the Revs. David O. Beadles and Robert Reynolds officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Gainesville. Honorary pallbearers will be the Quilters and the Esther Circle.
In lieu of flowers, the family requested that memorials be made to the United Methodist Children’s Home.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.